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. Our accomplishments include the re-opening of F & G Streets at 9^th Street by the MCI Center and maintaining thoroughfares through the new convention center. We seek the re-opening of 10^th Street between H & New York Avenue and E Street at the White House since it was again closed as a result of Sept. 11^th. We will continue to strive for the safe re-opening of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.

Please join us as we work to:

- Preserve the District of Columbia flag while supporting voting rights for District residents

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

- Preserve the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans

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

"...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

Kiplinger Library of The Historical Society of Washington On-line Research Aid

Breaking News!

Governor Shepherd's Statue Returns to the District Building

After an exile of nearly a quarter century, the statue of the District's native son, Union Army Veteran, Vice-president of Public Works and Territorial Governor Alexander Robey Shepherd finally returns to his home in front of the District Building. On Saturday, January 29, 2005 -- three days before Shepherd's 140th birthday -- the Dunbar statue of Governor Shepherd was removed from the District's Department of Transportation facility on Shepherd Parkway, SW and transported back to a place of prominence in downtown D.C.

With the support of City Councilmembers Jim Graham and Jack Evans, Council Secretary Phyllis Jones, DDOT Director Dan Tangherlini and through the generosity of the Gilford Corporation, Miller & Long Concrete Construction, Hutchison International (United Rigging) and the Associated Builders & Contractors, the Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of D.C. has finally realized its long-fought effort to have the Governor Shepherd statue returned to the area from which it was removed in 1979 during the reconstruction of Pennsylvania Avenue and Freedom Plaza.

Today, rather than staring out over the city's impoundment lot, the Governor casts his gaze across the avenue near the very location where the statue was originally dedicated on May 3, 1909. AOI Historian Nelson Rimensnyder has never missed an opportunity for over a decade to champion the statue's return. Our hats are off to Nelson and everyone who helped make this happen.

Bill Brown, President

AOI Projects, Milestones & Accomplishments

> Led the successful effort to return Governor Shepherd's Statue to downtown DC

> Provided Georgetown University Medical School Scholarship for Gerontological Studies Student

> Supported an Historical Society of Washington Library Internship for an American University graduate student

> Awarded George Washington University Master of Tourism Studies Highest Academic Achievement Award for seven years, now the Philip W.Ogilvie Award

> Underwrote Washington History magazine of the HSW

> Working to preserve the District's historic records

Annual Business Legends Award presented to:

- Austin Kiplinger (2003), The Hecht Co. (2002), Riggs Bank (2001), Scholls' Cafeteria (2000), Security Storage (1999), Galt Jewelers (1998), Washington Gas (1997), and PEPCO (1996)

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 of the new DC Convention Center

- Seeking 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.

Alexander Robey Shepherd - Born Jan. 31, 1835

Nelson Rimensnyder, Joe Grano & Bill Brown Place Wreath In Honor of Shepherd's 170th Birthday

Up-dated 6/23/2008