Our History

The American Red Cross National Headquarters Building

Completed in 1917 and still functioning today as an office for Red Cross staff, the “Beaux Arts” style building is dedicated to “The Heroic Women of the Civil War.”

Busts of Faith, Charity, and Hope by Hiram Powers

Representing the concept of mercy, these marble busts entitled Faith, Charity, and Hope are original to the building and have been in the windows since 1917.

Bust of Jean Henry Dunant by Ernst Durig

This marble bust features Jean Henry Dunant, the Swiss businessman who started the Red Cross movement in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Signing of the Treaty of Geneva by Charles Edouard Armand-Dumaresq

During this 1864 meeting, the Treaty of Geneva was signed and the Red Cross on a white background was chosen as the protective emblem. The Red Cross identified medical personnel and their facilities becoming the basis for the International Red Cross.

Portrait of Clara Barton by Mathilde M. Leisenring

Clarissa Harlowe Barton—teacher, government employee, and humanitarian—founded the American Red Cross in 1881. She led the organization for 23 years, retiring in 1904. Her legacy lives on reflected in the humanitarian sprit of Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Clara Barton’s Dress - Front and Back Views

This dress constructed of silk brocade was worn by Clara Barton throughout the 1860s. Clara would have used the dress for special occasions and speaking engagements. The dress was donated to the Red Cross by Ms. Susan H. Stafford, great, great, great niece of Clara Barton and funding for its conservation and exhibition was donated by Barbara Bovender.

The Clara Barton Display Case

Individual items belonging to Clara Barton over the years. Artifacts in the case include Barton’s field desk, diary from 1904, infant night shirt, and armband and medals from the Franco-Prussian war.

Clara Barton’s Sewing Kit

This sewing kit was used by Clara Barton in the aftermath of the Sea Islands’ Hurricane in 1893. Under Barton’s leadership the American Red Cross provided aid to 30,000 victims with donations of food, clothing, seeds, tools, and lumber to help rebuild homes.

Clinic for French Children by Cameron Burnside

This World War I era painting is set in France and depicts Red Cross doctors and nurses helping French mothers learn how to care for their babies many of whom were malnourished and suffering from disease after years of wartime deprivations.

Line of Communication Canteen by Cameron Burnside

This World War I era painting depicts Red Cross Canteen staff wearing their regulation chambray blue uniforms meeting a troop train and serving refreshments to the soldiers.

Tiffany Windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany

The stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios were a gift from the “women of the north” and the “women of the south” as a symbol of unity and healing after the American Civil War. The windows depict the themes of sacrifice and aid to the wounded. They are thought to be the largest set of Tiffany windows still in a secular setting.

Learn more about the Tiffany Windows.

Jane Delano Memorial by Robert Tait McKenzie 

Located in the memorial garden, the Jane Delano Memorial is dedicated to the founder of the Red Cross Nursing Service and all Red Cross nurses. The sculpture honors the 296 nurses, including Delano, who gave their lives as the result of World War I.

The Red Cross Spirit by Felix de Weldon

Located in the memorial garden, The Red Cross Spirit depicts Red Cross workers helping a fallen soldier. The sculpture was commissioned by The American Red Cross Overseas Association (ARCOA) and honors all those that gave their lives in service to the Red Cross.

Motherland by Frederic Sogoyan

Located on the grounds of Red Cross Square (E Street/17^th Street NW), Motherland features a woman protectively embracing her child. It was gifted, by the Armenian people in 1991, to the American Red Cross to commemorate Red Cross relief after the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake.

Red Cross Emblem by Larry Kirkland

Located on the grounds of Red Cross Square (E Street/18^th Street NW), Red Cross Emblem, created in 2003 is dedicated to volunteerism and the volunteer spirit of the Red Cross.