Located in the heart of the Nation’s Capital, the Woodrow Wilson House is a National Trust Historic Site that examines the full history of Wilson’s presidency. For Executive Director Elizabeth Karcher, the site strives to be a time capsule that is authentic and presidential.

Woodrow Wilson and his second wife, Edith Wilson, moved into this home when they retired from the White House to private life. What visitors experience today is the home as it was in 1924. Today, guests can learn not only about the Wilsons’ life but also navigate issues of race, class, gender, and wealth through the eyes of their employees, including the two primary people in service to the Wilsons, Isaac and Mary Scott.

For those who can’t visit in person, the Wilson House website includes podcasts, videos, and articles. For those interested in connecting young people with historic places, Wilson House offers four Girl Scouts programs and activities each weekend.

To learn more, we asked Elizabeth Karcher a few questions about her interest in historic sites, and what at the Wilson House is bringing her joy and excitement.

What first inspired your love of history?

I grew up next door to my grandfather who was trained as a draftsman, practiced as a lawyer, and served in state and local government. He came from very humble beginnings and felt education was extraordinarily important to success. I would visit him every night after dinner and we would sit in his library, which was extensive. He had books about literature, art and architecture, history, and politics and one whole section on books of political cartoons. He would ask me to describe the cartoon images and to read the captions outload to him- and then he would explain what it meant, the historical context, and why it was funny. I have very fond memories of learning about history that way.

What's your earliest memory of experiencing a historic site?

My parents teaching my siblings and me to respect the Native American gravesites in the woods behind my house growing up.

When people visit Wilson House, what do you want them to see, do, and feel while they are there?

We like to say that not much has changed except the conversation. We want our guests to discuss, debate, disagree, dispute, and deliberate.

What is your favorite part of your site?

Thanks to a grant from the Marge and Joe Grills Fund for Historic Gardens and Landscapes, we planted a Native Plant Garden, we call an “American Garden,” and it is spectacular. It is a safe, healthy oasis in the heart of Embassy Row. We created a self- guided tour for naturalists to learn how we did it and how they, too, can create an urban native plant garden. I feel very strongly that it’s our civic responsibility to take care of our environment, and the garden is a beautiful way for this historic site to do our part.

What project at the site is energizing you today?

Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025. It is a celebration of fashion and its significant role on the global stage. We’ve created a platform unlike any other, where designers from around the world showcase how they dress their dignitaries and leaders, not for the red carpet, but for the world stage. Each country showcases a piece that tells a story of power, identity, and peace-making. The exhibition and gala stand as a testament to Washington, D.C.’s unique position as the intersection of world diplomacy.

Edith Wilson was the first First Lady to travel internationally during an American president’s term in office, setting a standard for dressing for the international and diplomatic stage. She dressed the part, recognizing she was representing the United States among other world leaders. In her retirement from the White House, Edith hosted every living First Lady of her time at her home on S Street. Edith’s iconic fashion sense and her hospitality are the inspiration for this exhibition and gala.