OUR MISSION
We aim to empower people to do what they love — dare to be different — and have fun.
We inspire creativity and imagination through the fusion of the arts, science, and sports.
OUR VISION
The creative process comes in many forms: from the wrinkles on your grandmother's face to a refugee's smile in Darfur.
Every story has a beautiful lining that we can all learn from, and share with each other.
“Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they make a connection makes everything worth it.”
~ Ted Spero, President, O Museum in The Mansion
We are committed to sustaining our programs.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit we are asking for your support to achieve these goals.
OUR PROGRAMS
O Museum’s integrated programming fosters civic responsibility, individual empowerment, and creative excellence. All offerings are designed to inspire public service, deepen historical understanding, and promote unity through all the arts. Each program supports merit-based access to transformational experiences — aligned with the highest standards of ethical leadership, artistic integrity, and public impact.
We weave storytelling, the arts, music, sports, science, and history into each program. We provide tools for children to better themselves, for individuals to find understanding, and for companies to add depth, context, and solutions to all levels of their organization.
1
Transformative Education & Civic Empowerment
Rooted in the legacy of Rosa Parks, this program cultivates civic responsibility, leadership, and personal growth through immersive learning experiences. Interactive tours, curated exhibits, and public programs explore universal themes of freedom (change to liberty) and human dignity. Through access to art, literature, sports, pop culture, scientific discovery -- and historic spaces, participants engage with the stories and ideas that shape civic (instead of civil their) life.
Key Features:
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Multi-tiered curriculum on constitutional rights, ethical leadership, and the power of the individual.
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Hands-on learning through music, art, sports, scientific discovery and historical archives.
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Over 15,000 free or low-cost public access tickets annually to ensure broad community engagement.
Did You Know?
"The mother of the civil rights movement" Mrs. Rosa Parks, her staff, and friends stayed with us on and off from 1994 to 2003 as part of our Artist & Heroes Residency program.
Since 1980, we have helped over 20,000 artists and heroes with this program.
3
Healing Through Music & Storytelling
This program uses the unifying power of the arts (which includes sports and scientific discovery) to bridge divides and foster dialogue. Music, spoken word, and personal narrative become vehicles for emotional healing, intellectual inquiry, and social connection. Designed for audiences of all backgrounds, this initiative highlights the common threads that bind human experience.
Key Features:
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Public performances and storytelling events that encourage reflection and understanding.
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Cross-generational participation in songwriting, oral history, and live storytelling.
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Emphasis on excellence in craft and the universal impact of music, science, sports and narrative.
2
Artist & Heroes Residency Program
This residency honors individuals who exemplify service, creativity, and courage — including veterans, first responders, and exceptional creatives. In the spirit of Rosa Parks' own stays at the Mansion, the program provides short-term housing and artistic sanctuary to those making meaningful contributions to society.
Key Features:
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Over 1,000 donated room nights annually to guests who serve or create for the public good.
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Residency outcomes include public talks, performances, or exhibits that inspire civic dialogue.
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Prioritizes individuals based on merit, contribution, and creative or civic excellence.
Did You Know?
51 Steps To Freedom originated as a program at O Museum in The Mansion and is now powered by it.
We are also the organization that filed to make Liberty Plaza a historic site on the African American Heritage Trail
Did You Know?
O Museum in the Mansion created the Hold My Hand Challenge to honor Mrs. Rosa Parks’ birthday.
Inspired by her belief in the power of touch, the campaign launched on February 4 — her birthday — inviting people to hold hands and post using #HoldMyHandChallenge to promote unity.
Special thanks to Hootie & the Blowfish for lending their song “Hold My Hand” as the anthem for this global tribute.
Special thanks to Paul Williams, Mark Bryan, and Ranky Tanky for their generous donation of time, talent, and original music in support of our mission.
Special thanks to Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi for their generous donation of "I'm On My Way" in support of our mission.
Serving The Community
We are honored to work with the DC community and visitors from around the world to inspire empathy, unity, and personal growth. By offering over 15,000 free and low-cost tickets a year we ensure everyone can experience our unique exhibits — and the valuable lessons they teach — regardless of financial means.