Architecture Spotlight: Volta Laboratory
25 10 2007
Have you ever seen this neoclassic tomb-like building in Georgetown? No it’s not the DC branch of a secret society… it’s the Volta Laboratory and Bureau building, a National Historic Landmark. The building was constructed in 1893 under the direction of Alexander Graham Bell to serve as a center of information for deaf and hard of hearing persons.
Bell, best known for receiving the first telephone patent in 1876, was also an outstanding figure of his generation in the education of the deaf. Both his grandfather and father were teachers of speech. We just love the raised enterance framed by two solitary columns. Want to check it out yourself? The Volta Bureau is located at 1537 35th St., NW.
There is limited accessibility to the public. Call for appointments at (202) 337-5220.
[…] Besides being the site of one of the first public schools, the building also has some major historical significance. In April 1880, Franklin School was the site of a major scientific experiment when Alexander Graham Bell successfully tested his photophone, which transmitted sound over light waves, between the school building and his laboratory nearby on L Street. […]