WASHINGTON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Behind the Curtains at the Wilson House: A 60‑Minute Collections Tour into Edith Wilson’s Treasures
A focused, 60-minute guided experience at the Woodrow Wilson House that lets visitors handle artifacts, hear their stories, and gain rare access to the collection’s storage—useful preparation for anyone planning this specialty tour.
Behind the Curtains at the Wilson House: A 60‑Minute Collections Tour into Edith Wilson’s Treasures.
Step inside the historic Woodrow Wilson House for an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes Collections Tour led by the Associate Manager of Collections. Over the course of an hour you’ll encounter the legacy of Edith Wilson—the house’s first collections manager—and the more than 8,000 objects she preserved, learn about the care and conservation of those artifacts, and gain rare access to storage areas normally closed to the public.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Edith Wilson’s Preserved Treasures
Discover the breadth of the house’s holdings—items preserved by Edith Wilson that together number in the thousands—and hear the stories that make each object meaningful to the site’s history.
Object Handling under Expert Guidance
Under the supervision of the collections manager you’ll try your hand at object handling, learning the practical caretaking practices and conservation concerns that keep the collection safe for future visitors.
Rare Access to Storage and Conservation Areas
The tour includes access to storage spaces rarely open to visitors, offering an intimate look at how artifacts are stored and cared for behind the scenes.
What the day feels like
What the Collections Tour Feels Like
The hour moves at a deliberate pace: an in‑house introduction followed by close encounters with selected objects, hands‑on practice guided by a collections professional, and a guided visit into storage and conservation spaces. Along the way the guide threads historical context, custodial technique, and anecdote to reveal how the house’s objects are preserved for public enjoyment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and when to arrange something different.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 60‑minute specialty guided tour; the operator offers it twice a week and also by private arrangement through the main desk.
Face coverings are optional for all guests while inside; no special gear is required for the tour.
Admission for the tour is $24.99; the meeting location is in Washington, D.C.; call the main desk to request a private tour or for scheduling details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Collections Tour?
The guided Collections Tour lasts 60 minutes.
How much does admission cost?
Admission is $24.99.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting location is in Washington, D.C.
Are face coverings required?
Face coverings are optional for all guests while inside.
How often is the tour offered?
The tour is offered twice a week, and can also be scheduled as a private tour by calling the main desk.
Who leads the Collections Tour?
The Collections Tour is led by the museum’s Associate Manager of Collections at the Woodrow Wilson House Museum.