This essay is aimed at discussing the visit to Woodrow Wilson House. This museum can be of great value to people who take an interest in the history of America and the country’s international policies, especially during World War I. Furthermore, one can learn more about the personal life of the U.S. President and his political career. This site can be distinguished among others because it helps people sense the atmosphere of that period.
So, its authenticity is one of the reasons why this site is very significant. Apart from that, this building can be viewed as a great example of the Georgian Revival style, which was very popular in the United States. Thus, it is possible to argue that this tour was both informative and engaging. These are the main issues that should be discussed more closely in this paper.
This site is placed in the suburban area of Washington. This house was the residence of Woodrow Wilson during the period between 1921 and 1924, and now it is a museum which is dedicated to this famous statesman. This building is near many embassies which are placed in this district of the city. Currently, this site attracts the attention of many professional historians and architects who may be working or studying in Washington.
On the whole, by going to this museum, a person can get a better idea about the family of life of Woodrow Wilson, his diplomatic efforts to promote global peace, his educational background, his habits, art preferences, and so forth. This tour can be a good starting point for students. I can say that there were some details that seemed surprising to me. In particular, I learned that Woodrow Wilson had been of the very few American Presidents, who held a Ph.D. degree.
Furthermore, the guide helped me understand how childhood experiences affected by the worldviews of this political leader and his political decisions. For example, he witnessed the American Civil War, and he was able to see the destructive effects of military conflicts on individuals and groups. This is one of the reasons why he paid so much attention to the preservation of peace in the world. It was one of his top priorities.
This information was provided by the guide who was able to make the tour more engaging. She responded to the questions and comments of the visitors, and such interactions were very productive. In many cases, such questions were very thought-provoking.
Additionally, I can tell that this museum contains various exhibits, many of which were presented to Woodrow Wilson. For example, there were gifts of people who strongly admired Woodrow Wilson diplomatic achievements. Overall, these exhibits suggest that Woodrow Wilson was a very versatile person who was very knowledgeable in various areas of study, especially political science and history. This is one of the aspects that can be distinguished.
It should be noted that Woodrow Wilson’s wife tried to retain the original furnishing of the house. According to the guide, the exterior design of the house has remained mostly intact. She made very few changes in the original design; in particular, an elevator was added to make the house very convenient.
There are several details which can immediately attract the attention of guests. For example, one can speak about the stove, which looks extremely out-of-date at the beginning of the twenty-first century. This particular exhibit can be distinguished because it demonstrates the technological progress which was achieved by modern societies in the last century.
It should be noted that Woodrow Wilson lived at the time, when technologies, as well as art forms, became much more popular in the United States. In turn, he took a very active interest in cinematography. So, this museum can give the visitors a better idea about the lifestyle of this person, his hobbies, as well as interests.
Thus, visitors can gain insights into the inner world of this individual, and this knowledge is also very valuable. It should be mentioned that Woodrow Wilson settled in the house after his presidency. Therefore, he was not an active politician at that time.
Nevertheless, at that time, he had much time to appreciate the legacies of his domestic and international policies. To some degree, this topic was mentioned by the museum guide. For example, she said that he had fully recognized the flaws of the Versailles Treaty and its risks. So, this tour helped me better appreciate the policies and attitudes of Woodrow Wilson, who was a very thoughtful individual.
More importantly, he was able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of his decisions. Therefore, it is possible for me to say that this museum can increase people’s awareness about the life and long-term legacies of Woodrow Wilson, who played an instrumental role in world history. These are the main arguments that can be put forward.
One should bear in mind that this house was designed by Waddy Butler, who was one of the most fashionable architects in Washington during that period. Overall, this work represents the Georgian Revival style, which became popular at the beginning of the twentieth century.
This design of this building was inspired by the work of a famous architect, Robert Adam who was extremely popular in Great Britain. There are several elements, which can be identified, for example, arched windows, the use of ashlar or masonry, which was finally cut. Overall, this house can be distinguished due to its brilliant stonework. At the same time, this house can be described as very minimalistic and even austere.
There are virtually no superfluous elements. Overall, this building can give visitors a better idea about architectural styles, which were very popular in Washington at the beginning of the twentieth century. This is another reason why this site is worth attention.
On the whole, Woodrow Wilson House is a very interesting historical and architectural site which can throw light on the life of a person who significantly contributed to the dramatic transformation of American internal policies and international relations of the country. To some degree, this museum can throw light on the personality of this politician, his daily life, and relations with other people.
Moreover, one can learn more about his academic achievements as well as hobbies. There are many exhibits which enable visitors to understand the experiences of people who lived during that period.
Additionally, this site illustrates the diversity of architectural styles which are included in the landscape of Washington. I can say that this museum has produced a profound impression on me, and it is certainly worth attention. These are the main aspects that can be singled out.
Works Cited
Gill, Roger. Theory and Practice of Leadership, New York: SAGE, 2011. Print.
Moeller, Martin. AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington, Washington: American Institute of Architects, 2012. Print.
Whissel, Kristen. Picturing American Modernity: Traffic, Technology, and the Silent, Durham: Duke University Press, 2008. Print.