About CPHS

The mission of the Cleveland Park Historical Society is to maintain and enhance the character and strength of Cleveland Park as an historic, multi-faceted, urban residential neighborhood. CPHS seeks to preserve the traditional architecture of the historic district through recommendations to the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). The organization aims to enhance the natural environment through maintenance and improvement projects for our public spaces. CPHS engages in advocacy on behalf of the neighborhood on relevant matters including development projects, entitlements, uses and regulations that have a significant bearing on the Cleveland Park's aesthetic, social and economic sustainability. The mission of CPHS also includes educational and outreach activities designed to harness residents' community spirit and commitment.

-- adopted by the CPHS Board of Directors, January 16, 2001

Our Bylaws were last amended on January 21, 2004, CPHS Bylaws.

CPHS engages in advocacy on behalf of the neighborhood on significant matters such as development projects, property rights, and city regulations that have a substantial bearing on the aesthetic and social character and economic sustainability of the historic district.  CPHS also sponsors educational and outreach activities designed to harness residents' community spirit and commitment.

CPHS is a tax-exempt, non-profit community organization, run by a Board of Directors, one-third of whom are elected each year. All residents and merchants of the Cleveland Park historic district are encouraged to participate in the Society's activities and to volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors and the other committees. Friends, former residents and others interested in historic preservation are also urged to become involved. The Society's work is supported by dues, grants, and other voluntary contributions from the community. In the years to come, CPHS seeks to continue to broaden its range in areas beyond development and architectural preservation, celebrating the richly diverse nature of its constituency.

Cleveland Park Voices, the CPHS newsletter, is published three times a year and informs residents of CPHS activities, special programs, zoning and development issues. It also features articles on local merchants and institutions and profiles residents who have left their mark on Cleveland Park.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC), composed of local residents, meets monthly with homeowners who are planning additions, remodeling or new construction, to suggest ways to maintain the architectural integrity of their buildings. The ARC's recommendations help the District's Historical Preservation Review Board in its review of permits.

The Tree Committee helps owners to plant street-side trees. Since 1992 CPHS has planted over 80 trees on Cleveland Park streets. The Adopt-A-Tree partnership with Avenue merchants encourages maintenance of new and young trees in commercial areas, as well as other aspects of sidewalk beautification.