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The Mount Vernon Seminary and College was a private women's college in Washington, D.C. It was purchased by George Washington University in 1999, and became the Mount Vernon Campus of The George Washington University.
- 1868
- 1875
- 1905
- 1913
- 1914
- 1916
- 1917
- 1925
- 1936
- 1942
Elizabeth Somers accepted private pupils in her home at 204 F Street, Washington, D.C. She began teaching private students in her home at the request of prominent statesmen following the Civil War. Gatherings attended by authors, poets, musicians, politicians and diplomats complemented formal studies.
Mrs. Somers officially opened her school and named it Mount Vernon Seminary after the church of her brother (Thomas Eddy), Mount Vernon Place Methodist in Baltimore. Intended as a “Family and Day School for Young Ladies,” Mount Vernon Seminary offered a six-year course, including two post-high school years.
The Mount Vernon Seminary Society was founded. Its stated purpose was “the binding together of M.V.S. students in carrying out some useful charitable work.” The Society supported the Kindergarten at Neighborhood House in Southeast Washington.
Mrs. Somers was named President and Mrs. Adelia Gates Hensley was named Vice-President. The Mount Vernon Seminary was reorganized. The first Montessori “House of Childhood” was inaugurated at Friendship House and was supported by the Society.
Mrs. Somers retired. Mrs. Hensley, a teacher with the school since 1884, was named the 2nd President of Mount Vernon Seminary.
Mount Vernon Seminary incorporated as a non-profit organization. Miss Jean Dean Cole was named Vice-President.
The school moved to Nebraska Avenue, which had the capacity to house 130 resident students. Founder's Day was instituted to honor Mrs. Somers's eightieth birthday. This day has been celebrated every November 5th since then as the school's birthday.
As a memorial to Mount Vernon's founder, alumnae built the Elizabeth Somers Chapel and dedicated it on May 24th.
Miss Cole resigned as President but retained her status as Headmistress. George W Lloyd, who had been with the school since 1930 and was the head of the Junior College, was named as the 4th President of the College.
The United States Navy took over the Mount Vernon Seminary campus on Nebraska Avenue “in the interest of the war effort.” But the Board of Trustees decided that “every effort should be made to insure the continuity of the school.” Mount Vernon began the search for a new campus.
As the first school of higher education available to women in Washington, D.C, Mount Vernon Seminary and College has an important place in this city’s heritage, in higher education, and in American women’s history.
Mar 9, 2015 · Founded in 1877, the Mount Vernon Seminary and College—now the George Washington University Mount Vernon Campus — hit its stride in the 1930s, producing hundreds of women scholars and making plans to expand its campus and programs. But then World War II hit and the women’s college struggled to find financial footing.
The Mount Vernon Campus of the George Washington University was once the home of the Mount Vernon Seminary and College, a private women’s high school and college founded in 1868. Learn about the history, programs, and amenities of this campus in Northwest Washington DC.
Mount Vernon College & Seminary Alumnae News. Check out what's happening in the Mount Vernon Seminary and College Alumnae world. Keep us, and your fellow alumnae, up-to-date by submitting a note about your comings and goings. We'll share them the next Mount Vernon Today newsletter!
Learn about the history and architecture of this campus, which was a female boarding school and a Naval cryptographic center. See images, map, and nomination details of the 16 brick buildings with Georgian or Colonial Revival style.
