It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1991 for its association with the federation, which serves as an umbrella organization for women's clubs, dating to the mid-19th century.

The entrance is in a slightly raised basement level, sheltered by a splayed glass and iron marquee with supporting ironwork brackets.

[3] The house was built in 1875 by Rear Admiral William Radford, at a time when the Dupont Circle area was being developed as a fashionable residential neighborhood.

It was next owned by John Jay White, a big-game hunter who traveled with Theodore Roosevelt, and who commissioned the murals by Albert Herter that adorn some of its walls.

Club members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by advocating for women, children, and families on issues such as domestic violence and sexual assault, food insecurity/hunger, and promoting healthy lifestyles.