What was the Home for the Aged Men and Women known for?

It was a charitable organization managed by the Little Sisters of the Poor that provided housing, food, and care for elderly men and women over 65 who had no relatives to care for them, regardless of race or religion.

When did the Home for the Aged Men and Women open?

The building's cornerstone was laid on July 23, 1872, and the home officially opened on March 19, 1873.

What happened to the site after it served as a charitable home?

The building housed the National Children's Museum from 1979 to 2004 before being redeveloped as Senate Square, a luxury apartment complex, by 2007.

Where was the Home for the Aged Men and Women located?

The site was located in Washington, D.C., on H Street NE between 2nd Street NE and 3rd Street NE, near the rail line on I Street NE.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Home for the Aged Men and Women site in Washington, D.C.

What to know

Located on H Street NE between 2nd and 3rd Street NE, this site once housed the Home for the Aged Men and Women. The building's cornerstone was laid on July 23, 1872, on square 751, and the facility officially opened its doors on March 19, 1873. Managed by the Little Sisters of the Poor, the home provided essential housing, food, and care for destitute individuals over 65 years of age who lacked relatives, welcoming residents regardless of their race or religion. During the 19th century, the home became a unique intersection of Washington's social strata. While it served as a lifeline for the impoverished, it was also a destination for the city's high society. Diplomats and socialites frequently visited the residents on Saint Joseph’s Day, bringing a brief moment of distraction and prestige to the charitable institution. The site underwent a dramatic transformation in the late 20th century. From 1979 to 2004, the building served as the National Children's Museum. This era brought a different kind of energy to the neighborhood, shifting the focus from elderly care to childhood education and literacy. By 2005, the property was purchased by developer Jim Abdo for redevelopment. The site was transformed into Senate Square, which by 2007 had been converted into a luxury apartment complex. This evolution from a refuge for the poor to a high-end residential space reflects the shifting economic and social landscape of the surrounding district.

Visitor tips

Observe the exterior of the Senate Square complex to imagine the layout of the former charitable home.
Walk along H Street NE to see how the neighborhood has transitioned from industrial rail lines to modern residential use.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as this stop is best experienced as part of a wider stroll through the NE district.

Nearby context

The site is situated in the heart of the H Street NE corridor, positioned between 2nd and 3rd Street NE. Historically, it was located near the rail line that ran down I Street NE, placing it in a bustling transit and service hub of the 19th century.