By Billy House
Email to a Friend
Stumble It!
WASHINGTON -- No, it can't provide visiting Floridians with official diplomatic immunity.
But the Sunshine State's own unofficial "embassy" in the nation's capital is sure hoping to help them enjoy the festivities surrounding Barack Obama's presidential inauguration.
While "Florida House on Capitol Hill" may be unknown to most people, it's played a key organizing role in the first-ever "Sunshine and Stars: 2009 Florida Inaugural Ball" set for Monday at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington.
In addition, Florida House is the site of an "open house" for Floridians from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, hosted by the state Democratic Party.
And any Floridians who may also want to pay a visit during Inauguration Day on Tuesday are invited to do so.
In short, Obama's historic inauguration is being seen as an opportunity to acquaint more Floridians with something residents of other states do not have: a home (an actual 1891 Victorian townhouse) on Capitol Hill in Washington.
"We are always happy for people to drop by," said Chandler Yonge, the Florida House director of administration.
Located across the street from the back of the U.S. Supreme Court and one block from the U.S. Capitol where Obama will be sworn-in, the non-profit Florida House eagerly portrays itself as "Florida's embassy in the nation's capital." Even its Web site address reflects that theme: http://www.floridaembassy.com/.
The house has served as a central location to assist Floridians on everything from sightseeing tips and educational programs, to providing a place for business people to make calls and coordinate meetings, to creating a historic setting for receptions, dinners, or even weddings.
"Or just a place for (Floridians) to come in and prop their feet up and take a rest," said Yonge. Visitors can even get a refreshing drink of orange juice.
One "misconception," says Yonge: There are no overnight accommodations.
The three-story house was founded as a non-partisan charitable organization in 1973 by former Florida first-lady Rhea Chiles after she spotted the structure in disrepair almost to the point of needing demolition.
Wanting to create a place in Washington where Floridians could gather and the state's culture and diversity could be showcased, she bought the property with $5,000 of her own money and $120,000 raised from friends in the state.
Today, the house is worth more than $1 million, contains a number of antiques, and every piece of furniture and art is a gift from a Floridian.
No state or federal tax dollars support either the house or its operations. It is funded entirely by individuals and private donors, and by money from hosting events.
Over the years, its 70-member board has usually been chaired by Florida's First Ladies.
And today, no other state has anything like it. District of Columbia zoning laws prevent any other state from establishing another one.
As many as 10,000 guests are attracted to Florida House each year.
But Bart Hudson, the Florida House executive director, said it remains a secret to many Floridians. Hopefully, he said, it can become an even-more popular destination and something that Floridians "will brag about."
Hudson said Florida House's involvement in the inaugural activities -- particularly its work with the Florida State Society in organizing and lining up corporate sponsors for Monday night's "Sunshine and Stars: 2009 Florida Inaugural Ball" - seemed like something it ought be doing.
The event is especially geared to Floridians. It is separate from the official dance balls set up by Obama's inaugural organizers for Tuesday night, such as the one Florida shares with 10 other states.
"We felt like we ought to take the reins of the Florida celebration," said Hudson.
Billy House can be reached at 1 (202) 662-7673.
But the Sunshine State's own unofficial "embassy" in the nation's capital is sure hoping to help them enjoy the festivities surrounding Barack Obama's presidential inauguration.
While "Florida House on Capitol Hill" may be unknown to most people, it's played a key organizing role in the first-ever "Sunshine and Stars: 2009 Florida Inaugural Ball" set for Monday at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington.
In addition, Florida House is the site of an "open house" for Floridians from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, hosted by the state Democratic Party.
And any Floridians who may also want to pay a visit during Inauguration Day on Tuesday are invited to do so.
In short, Obama's historic inauguration is being seen as an opportunity to acquaint more Floridians with something residents of other states do not have: a home (an actual 1891 Victorian townhouse) on Capitol Hill in Washington.
"We are always happy for people to drop by," said Chandler Yonge, the Florida House director of administration.
Located across the street from the back of the U.S. Supreme Court and one block from the U.S. Capitol where Obama will be sworn-in, the non-profit Florida House eagerly portrays itself as "Florida's embassy in the nation's capital." Even its Web site address reflects that theme: http://www.floridaembassy.com/.
The house has served as a central location to assist Floridians on everything from sightseeing tips and educational programs, to providing a place for business people to make calls and coordinate meetings, to creating a historic setting for receptions, dinners, or even weddings.
"Or just a place for (Floridians) to come in and prop their feet up and take a rest," said Yonge. Visitors can even get a refreshing drink of orange juice.
One "misconception," says Yonge: There are no overnight accommodations.
The three-story house was founded as a non-partisan charitable organization in 1973 by former Florida first-lady Rhea Chiles after she spotted the structure in disrepair almost to the point of needing demolition.
Wanting to create a place in Washington where Floridians could gather and the state's culture and diversity could be showcased, she bought the property with $5,000 of her own money and $120,000 raised from friends in the state.
Today, the house is worth more than $1 million, contains a number of antiques, and every piece of furniture and art is a gift from a Floridian.
No state or federal tax dollars support either the house or its operations. It is funded entirely by individuals and private donors, and by money from hosting events.
Over the years, its 70-member board has usually been chaired by Florida's First Ladies.
And today, no other state has anything like it. District of Columbia zoning laws prevent any other state from establishing another one.
As many as 10,000 guests are attracted to Florida House each year.
But Bart Hudson, the Florida House executive director, said it remains a secret to many Floridians. Hopefully, he said, it can become an even-more popular destination and something that Floridians "will brag about."
Hudson said Florida House's involvement in the inaugural activities -- particularly its work with the Florida State Society in organizing and lining up corporate sponsors for Monday night's "Sunshine and Stars: 2009 Florida Inaugural Ball" - seemed like something it ought be doing.
The event is especially geared to Floridians. It is separate from the official dance balls set up by Obama's inaugural organizers for Tuesday night, such as the one Florida shares with 10 other states.
"We felt like we ought to take the reins of the Florida celebration," said Hudson.
Billy House can be reached at 1 (202) 662-7673.