About AOI

The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of D.C.

Welcoming Young & Old Alike to Join in Remembering the Past and Working for an Even Better Future

Don’t Let Our Name Mislead You!

We’re a vibrant organization for young and old alike. As Washington’s oldest civic organization, we’re dedicated to preserving D.C.’s heritage. Our programs feature history, civic improvements and business recognition.

Please join us as we work to:

- Preserve the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans

- Support the preservation of the District of Columbia's historic records

- Support the Historical Society of Washington at Mount Vernon Square and our partner Cultural Tourism - DC

- Preserve the District's Civil War Fortifications

- Maintain and preserve the District's Memorials

Testimonials and Reviews:

"...to keep alive the reminiscences of the past and the social and paternal communications of the present and future... in an effort to restore the capital’s dignity plagued by lingering and divisive sectional loyalties following the Civil War."

By-laws and constitution, December 7, 1865.

"The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants... has, against all logic been born again. Or, at least, become younger, more inclusive and more vigorous. It is Washington’s living archive..."

Sara Booth Conroy, The Washington Post, Aug. 30, 1993.

"...this Association’s...main function is reminiscent and preservative. It fosters the loyalty of the Washingtonian to Washington, the self-respect of the Washingtonian, and the affection and pride which he feels in his own and the Nation’s Capital."

Theodore Noyes, President, Dec. 7, 1907.

Related Links

Please check out AOI on two of our partners' sites:

Cultural Tourism DC

AOI Finding Aid at the Kiplinger Library of The Historical Society of Washington On-line Research Aid

Listen to an interview about AOI featured on WAMU-FM's "Metro Connection" with Stephanie Kaye:

Stephanie Kaye Speaks with Bill Brown & Nelson Rimensnyder

WAMU-FM's Metro Connection Reporter Rebecca Sheir wants to know how long she has to live in Washington to be considered a "Washingtonian." Listen to her interviews:

WAMU-FM's Rebecca Sheir's "When Do I Become a Washingtoninan?"

While few members remain who recall the days when the AOI was headquartered in the old firehouse at 19th & H Streets, NW (now the location of the World Bank), many still hold dear the history the AOI has with the (now-defunct) Veteran Volunteers Fire Association. Today, several AOI members are retired from the DC Fire Department and are active in maintaining our working relationship with the agency, including the safe storage of our antique fire apparatus.

AOI Projects, Milestones & Accomplishments

> Supports the Historical Society of Washington D.C. and its Kiplinger Library through grants, document conservation, internships and program support

> Awards a George Washington University Master of Tourism Studies graduate student the Highest Academic Achievement Award, now the Philip W.Ogilvie Award

> Works to preserve the District's historic records

Supported:

- A DC Quarter Coin

- Return of the DC Postal Cancellation

- Maintaining the DC Flag's Award-winning Design

- The re-opening of Pennsylvania Avenue

- The re-opening of E Street at the White House

- The re-opening of G Street in front of the MLK Library and maintaining the opening of streets around the MCI Center

- Maintaining the opening of streets adjacent to the new DC Convention Center

- The re-opening of 10th Street, NW with the proposed development of the ‘old’ Convention Center site

Additionally, the AOI maintains its unique collection of antique firefighting apparatus and memorabilia.

Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of DC

Welcoming Young and Old Alike to Join in Remembering the Past and Working for an Even Better Future