Madams of DC

The nation's capital is seen as the prestigious center of American democracy - but there's a secret history to the city. Washington experienced an unprecedented rise in prostitution during and after the Civil War. During this period, Pennsylvania Avenue became DC's most notorious red light district, from the ramshackle "boarding houses" of Murder Bay to the glamorous pleasure houses of Marble Alley, all within sight of the Capitol. Also, a new profession for women was rising, that of the "female lobbyist."

Learn about some of the most notorious women of mid-19th Century DC in this talk from Off The Mall Walking Tours. 

Presented in partnership with Off The Mall Walking Tours.

Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation. You will receive the link to the online class in the confirmation email. If you prefer to call in by phone, please register for the class online and then email askhcls@hclibrary.org to request the dial-in information at least 1 business day in advance.