WASHINGTON - s4story -- The Arts Club of Washington is delighted that the US National Park Service, at the Club's request, has placed a handsome sign identifying the green oasis on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 20th and 21st Streets, as the JAMES MONROE PARK.  Officially named for our nation's fifth president in 1956 (also at the request of the Club), the park fronts the former home of James and Elizabeth Monroe at 2017 I Street, NW, now the home of The Arts Club of Washington.

Monroe resided at this address while serving as US Secretary of State, and continuing through his election and inauguration as US President.  He was the last Founding Father to be elected to that office.  Indeed, for several months following his inauguration, the house served as Monroe's Executive Mansion until the White House, damaged during the War of 1812, was restored and ready for the Monroes' occupancy.  The historic I Street house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Landmark in no small part because of its connection to President James Monroe.

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"We are so appreciative to the National Park Service for installing this important update to an area in front of the onetime residence of our nation's fifth president," said Jameson Freeman, President of The Arts Club of Washington.  "It is also due to the special efforts of two distinguished Arts Club Members, Martin Murray and Joanne Fungaroli, who worked with the Service to ensure the park includes signage of its namesake, surrounding our nation's 250th anniversary."

The park was officially named for Monroe in anticipation of his bicentennial (April 28, 1958).  Unfortunately, without an identifying physical sign located within the park, Monroe's association with the area had dimmed with time and very few contemporary visitors realized that this urban jewel is named for him.

"We are thrilled that James Monroe's name is freshly emblazoned within his park.  A special thanks is due to Michael Commisso, Deputy Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks unit, for overseeing this project.  Bravo, National Park Service, for a job well done!" commented Murray, Chair of The Arts Club of Washington's History Committee.

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Founded in 1916, The Arts Club of Washington (https://artsclubofwashington.org/) is the oldest nonprofit arts organization in the nation's capital, committed to elevating all forms of artistic expression, facilitating cultural conversations, and preserving the unique history of our permanent collection and buildings, including the historic Monroe House, former home to President James Monroe.