DACOR Bacon House is a little known gem in the middle of DC, just blocks from the White House, notable for its well-preserved historic ambiance and collection of international treasures. The Foundation’s dedication to diplomatic history—both through maintaining the house and its publication program—makes a unique contribution to persevering America’s global legacy. Through its sponsorship of lectures on current events, DACOR contributes to advancing understanding and critical thinking on the key issues facing our world today. And, not least, the house provides a charming venue for book launches, weddings, and other events.
Foreign affairs professionals such as my family have a particular challenge in maintaining their roots during active service and retirement while living around the globe. The beautifully maintained Dacor Bacon house provides us with a location where we can meet and reestablish contact with old friends as well as enjoying Dacor's professional and cultural presentations It was also the ideal Venue for our eldest daughter's wedding to a fellow foreign service "brat". Contributing to the Dacor Bacon House Foundation provides us with the satisfaction pf knowing that we are not only, maintaining an anchor in Washington DC but also contributing to an historic landmark in our nation's capital.
DACOR Bacon House Foundation does great work in a venerable, historic house in the heart of Washington, D.C. The organization and the historic house have served for decades as the place to welcome returning diplomats back home, to gather with former colleagues and families and to be informed of the latest international developments. Even living outside the Washington area, DACOR has now utilized technology to keep its members informed. I appreciate DACOR's support of programs that help inform Americans on diplomacy and international affairs and contribute to the education of the next generation of diplomats. And as a 38-year Foreign Service veteran, I appreciate DACOR's diligence in keeping us informed about our former colleagues. U.S. Ambassador (retired) Joseph G. Sullivan
I am a longstanding member and an enthusiastic supporter of the DACOR Bacon House Foundation and its mission and programs. For almost twenty years after retiring from the Foreign Service until moving to France in 2018, DACOR was home away from home, a place where I could meet with kindred spirits in beautiful surroundings to discuss common interests and enjoy its many activities - not only foreign affairs, but also fine arts, literature, music, and more! I have fond memories of serving as a three-time Governor, committee chair and docent, and have joined the Legacy Society. By contributing to DACOR, I am helping to preserve DACOR’s historic house as a haven for like-minded professionals united in the pursuit of international understanding.
I am proud to be a new member and supporter of DACOR and its DACOR's mission to foster a community of foreign affairs professionals and to promote continuous learning in the field. The DACOR Bacon House itself is a treasure and symbol of the organization's mission--both preserving history while building a living community. I have attended events at the House professionally and socially as a member, and each event is notable for the collegial discussions and shared aims of advancing US interests.
My parents were members of DACOR for almost fifty years, and following their lead, I have just become a new member. Two of my sisters were married at DACOR Bacon House and my nephew's wedding reception was there as well. Over the last twenty years, I have attended musicales (the last one, "Zarzuela!" included tapas and sangria, and superb singing) on Saturdays and Sundays, the Thursday evening receptions in the garden, and a few retirement dinners. The DACOR Bacon House is simply a wonderful place to be, to peruse the antiques, paintings, and library books, to meet with old friends, and to make new ones.
The historic DACOR Bacon House is a fantastic setting. I've enjoyed lunches with notable speakers on foreign affairs, Sunday musicales, and receptions with new Foreign Service Officers or those going out to posts around the world as Ambassadors or Deputy Chiefs of Mission. It is also perfect for entertaining out of town guests or clients. It combines the history of one of the few nearly 200-year-old houses in the President's neighborhood with excellent catering and service. Beyond that, however, is the mission that it and DACOR, the member organization it houses, share to support diplomacy and encourage international exchange. Together they provide scholarships for the study of international affairs, host a museum open to the public, run workshops to train teachers, mentor graduate students, and recognize those who have contributed to American diplomacy.
Dacor Bacon House is one of those hidden treasures of Washington DC. When you visit the house you are enamored by the historic yet beautiful decor inside. Then you walk through the back stairs to the magical courtyard outdoor space where the noise of traffic is muffled. Its a peaceful and beautiful space for a party, lunch or drink. DACOR membership provides many interesting programs, access to member lunches prepared by a master chef and delightful company from various branches of government and the private sectors. Definitely consider joining as a member and help preserve this beautiful treasure located a block from the White House and other historic buildings in DC.
Putting into words what the DACOR Bacon House has meant to me over now many years is a challenge. The structure that the foundation preserves is an historic gem, and the people I have met and now call friends has been priceless - one of the great experiences of my life.
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The DACOR Bacon House in Washington DC is an historic gem. The organization of DACOR which advances discussion about diplomacy and diplomatic engagement is vital. My experience with the house and the organization over many years has been one of the great professional and personal links of my career. I highly recommend membership and support for the home.
It’s a pleasure and privilege to work with DACOR and it’s professional staff. I feel I am making a difference and contributing significantly to its goal of preserving a national treasure.
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I am proud to be part of the growing number of supporters of the DBHF. The house itself is a treasure of historic significance, home to and visited by leaders from all quarters for almost 200 years. One of only four or five Federal era townhouses in the area surrounding the White House. So worth preserving.
I volunteer to DACOR as a developmental committee member and GWU graduate student mentor to serve. I serve because I am an American and service is intrinsic to our Creed. I willfully fulfill the charges and responsibilities intrinsic to our Creed because I am profoundly grateful to the American people, including, especially, those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, for the opportunities they have afforded me to live meaningfully.
Joaquin Trujillo, PhD
Authenticity LLC
https://authenticityaz.com
As a global entrepreneur, my long-time business strategy and philosophy is predicated upon the importance of thorough cultural comprehension and collaboration prior to the implementation of policies, programs or endeavors. Inclined to support organizations of similar foundation and commitment, I was drawn to DACOR (Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired - an organization of foreign affairs professionals) and their well-respected and impactful work.
In an effort to contribute to the existing team of dynamic and distinguished professionals with a demonstrated commitment to foreign affairs, comprising DACOR leadership, it was my distinct honor to accept an invitation to become a board member in 2020.
DACOR is driven by the principle that substantive international problem solving is possible if predicated upon efforts intended to improve cultural, political and economic understanding. The DACOR Bacon House serves as the structural symbol of that mission and philosophy, a venue that, for centuries, has hosted national leaders, fostering their discussions and debates of the critical issues confronting the United States.
I have been continually impressed with the professional expertise, ethical tenacity and determination to adhere to the practice and principles of diplomacy, under which the organization operates. Its impact over the years is immeasurable. The benefit of the deep and extensive experience of its leaders, unprecedented. The lives and communities benefiting from its tireless work, countless. DACOR is an organization truly worthy of one’s attention and support.
Pooja Chandra Pama, Board Member, DACOR
A Home Away from Home –
After Dad retired in 1981, he and Mom settled in Washington to be near family and friends, including many from 29 years in the Foreign Service. Dad remained irrepressible about foreign affairs. He dabbled across issues, spanning education and oil revenues, related to postings as ambassador to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Chad. And he enjoyed appealing aspects of “Old Europe” after serving in France and The Netherlands: animated conversation over tasty meals paired with good wines.
DACOR brought Dad’s favorite things together in one lovely, historic setting. Thought-provoking programs on hot topics. Warm reunions over lunches. Friendships made at the spring and fall receptions, when young and old gather on the patio under towering trees.
I can’t thank DACOR enough for being Dad’s home-away-from-home, making it easy to enjoy years of friendship, sharing, and learning. It’s fitting that, when he died suddenly in 2006, we held his service at DACOR. The Bulletin obit reported it was “SRO;” we were joined by family, friends, and members of the extended DACOR family.
When I reflect on my own Foreign Service career, I wonder if the esprit de corps and lifelong friendships my parents and their generation modeled are at risk. DACOR can help resist the atomization and self-promotion in today’s ranks by offering a home away from home to gather and share together.
My spouse, Angela Dickey, and I are grateful for DACOR Bacon House Foundation and treasure it as an organization of foreign affairs professionals united in pursuing a more peaceful world.
I have the opportunity to be an intern at DACOR Bacon House Foundation and the only think I can say about this foundation is that it has been one of the best experiences. Each an every person that works at DACOR and has become a member, care deeply about the house and the principles of democracy and equality. I am learning more than I could ever imagine, while being supported and guided at the same time.
I feel very lucky and grateful to be part of this.