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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Volta Laboratory and Bureau

A National Historic Landmark in Georgetown, this neoclassical building served as Alexander Graham Bell's research center for telecommunications and a specialized library for the deaf and hard of hearing.

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Volta Laboratory and Bureau
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What is the Volta Laboratory and Bureau known for?

The Volta Laboratory and Bureau is a National Historic Landmark in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., created by Alexander Graham Bell. It served as a center for research and development in telecommunication and phonograph technologies, as well as a library and information center for deaf and hard of hearing persons.

Can I visit the Volta Laboratory and Bureau?

The site is not open to the public as a walk-in site, but it is open to the public by appointment.

Where is the Volta Laboratory and Bureau located?

It is located at 1537 35th St. NW (or 3417 Volta Place NW) in the Georgetown district of Washington, D.C., near Georgetown University and across from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School.

Who founded the Volta Laboratory and Bureau?

Alexander Graham Bell founded the Volta Laboratory (1880-1881) and the Volta Bureau (1887), using the $10,000 Volta Prize he won in 1880.

What is the building's architecture like?

The building is a neoclassical yellow brick and sandstone structure designed by the Boston firm Peabody and Stearns, with a design likely derived from the Volta Temple at Lake Como, Italy.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Volta Laboratory and Bureau is a National Historic Landmark located at 1537 35th St., NW in Washington, D.C. Constructed in 1893 under the direction of Alexander Graham Bell, the site served as a hub for scientific innovation and social advocacy. The building was designed by the Boston firm Peabody and Stearns, featuring a neoclassical style with yellow brick and sandstone. Its design was likely inspired by the Volta Temple at Lake Como, Italy, named after physicist Alessandro Volta. Bell founded the Volta Laboratory in 1880–1881 with Charles Sumner Tainter and Chichester Bell to research telecommunication, phonograph technology, and other advancements. This space was used by Bell to test new technology specifically designed to aid Deaf Americans. The laboratory was initially established at the rear of his parents' house using the $10,000 Volta Prize he won in 1880. In 1887, Bell established the Volta Bureau as a library for deaf people and those researching deafness, intended for the increase and diffusion of knowledge relating to the Deaf. The building continues to operate as the headquarters for the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, maintaining its original mission of providing information and research resources. Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, the site is positioned near Georgetown University and across from the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. Its presence in the neighborhood reflects Bell's long-term commitment to his research and the education of deaf children.

Visitor tips

  • The site is not open to the public as a walk-in visit; you must call for an appointment to get inside.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through the Georgetown neighborhood to see the historic homes nearby.
  • Observe the neoclassical yellow brick and sandstone facade from the sidewalk to appreciate the architectural details.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of Georgetown, the Volta Laboratory and Bureau is located three blocks west of Wisconsin Avenue, near Georgetown University and across from the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School.

Sources

Evidence and links