Constitution Hall History

Ground was broken for DAR Constitution Hall on June 22, 1928. The cornerstone was laid by Mrs. Calvin Coolidge on October 30, 1928, using the trowel George Washington used to lay the cornerstone at the Capitol in 1793. Mrs. Herbert Hoover was the guest speaker at the formal dedication on April 19, 1929. The first musical event in the hall was on November 2, 1929 and featured Anna Case, Efrem Zimbalist, Sophie Braslau, and Hans Barth.

Every president since Calvin Coolidge has attended events at DAR Constitution Hall.

The National Symphony was founded at the Hall in 1930 and called it home for 41 years.

The National Geographic Film Series was presented at the Hall for over 40 years.

Until the 1950s the Hall had a glass ceiling and a view of the stars.

During World War II the DAR loaned their complex of buildings to the Red Cross to support the war effort.

The Hall has hosted numerous television events including the Country Music Association Awards, HBO Specials with Eddie Murphy, Whitney Houston, Chris Rock and Robin Williams, Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Fast Money, the 2012 CNN Republican Presidental Debate and the National Sports Awards.

The DAR National Headquarters complex occupies an entire city block near the White House and includes three adjoining buildings, two of which are Registered National Landmarks: DAR Memorial Continental Hall (built 1905), DAR Constitution Hall (built 1929), and the Administration Building (built 1920, 1950).

Learn more about the history of the entire DAR complex in the DAR National Headquarters Building History online exhibition.