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Georgetown University

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the oldest Jesuit university in the United States. These posts trace its campus history, traditions, and its deep ties to Washington and the Catholic Church.

19 stories
Rhino Bar: 63 Years of Drinking at 3295 M Street in Georgetown9 min read

Three bars in 63 years at one Georgetown address: Shamrock 1952, Winston’s 1972, Rhino Bar 1998. The full arc of 3295 M Street NW before retail took it.

The Tombs in Georgetown: The Bar That Inspired St. Elmo’s Fire3 min readBest Of

The Tombs, a basement bar at 1226 36th Street NW in Georgetown, was the real inspiration for St. Elmo’s Bar in the 1985 Brat Pack film St. Elmo’s Fire.

Exterior of Martin's Tavern at 1264 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Martin’s Tavern Georgetown: JFK, Booth 3, and a Family Tavern Since 19338 min read

The man whose name is over the door at 1264 Wisconsin Avenue was a Boston Braves shortstop in the 1914 World Series before he opened a Georgetown tavern the year Prohibition ended. Four generations later, as of 2026, it is still open, still owned by the same family, and still has a brass plaque on the booth where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier.

Celebrating Georgetown University’s Class of 2019 & Their Predecessors from the Class of 19251 min read

Celebrating Georgetown University’s Class of 2019 and their predecessors from the historic Class of 1925. Take a little inspiration from this lovely photo showing their predecessors graduating in the late spring of 1925.

Georgetown University Dorm Life Circa 19131 min read

This is from the Georgetown University archives showing a group of young men gathered in a dorm room in 1913.

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Moran family grave marker at Holy Rood Cemetery
The Stories Behind the Headstones at Holy Rood Cemetery in Glover Park4 min read

A walk through Holy Rood Cemetery on Wisconsin Avenue in Glover Park, and the stories behind the names, from a Georgetown University doctor to Irish immigrants.

Georgetown students in 1895
The Faces of Georgetown Students in 18951 min read

The expressions in this 1895 photograph of Georgetown students invite comparison with students photographed decades later.

Washington Commencement Speeches Chosen by NPR and Vox1 min read

The selections include Kennedy at American University, Ken Burns at Georgetown and speeches at Catholic, GW and Gallaudet.

A Reported Horse Theft at Georgetown University in 19001 min read

A Georgetown stable attendant reported a horse thief and a gunshot in 1900. Police found the horse on campus and suspected a student prank.

Georgetown University 1918 Advertisement
Georgetown University Advertisement in 19181 min read

A wartime advertisement described Georgetown University’s reorganization in support of the war effort.

Georgetown baseball game
Baseball at Georgetown University in 19001 min read

A Georgetown University Library photograph shows a baseball game on the university grounds in 1900.

The Hall was named for Thomas Copley, S.J. (ca. 1595-1652). Among its many external decorations is a large Latin inscription on its middle gable which reads: 'Moribus Antiquis Res Stat Loyolaea Virisque.' This has been translated as: 'Loyola’s Fortune Still May Hope To Thrive, If Men and Mold Like Those of Old Survive.' The south gable bears the family crest of St. Ignatius Loyola who founded the Society of Jesus, the lily of the seal of the University of Paris where he was educated, and the seal of the Society of Jesus.
Copley Hall at Georgetown University: Photos from 19311 min read

Copley Hall opened at Georgetown University in 1931 as one of the campus’s major new buildings. Here are the original photos from its opening.

Georgetown University from observatory (Library of Congress)
A Georgetown University Embezzlement Arrest in 19031 min read

A 1903 report described the arrest of Delgado Crofton, accused of taking $2,200 from Georgetown University’s medical school.

five Georgetown baseball players in 1928
Five Georgetown Baseball Players in 19281 min read

A 1928 photograph shows five Georgetown baseball players together.

Georgetown University advertisement - September 3rd, 1911 (Washington Times)
Comparing College Tuition Prices in 1911 to Today1 min read

Wondering how college tuition prices have changed over the years? Read this comparison of college tuition prices in 1911 vs. today to see how much it has changed

Georgetown University football team in 1927 (source: georgetown.edu)
Hilltop Football Victory Wins Bride for Student: The 1928 Story of Marjorie Morris and F Stanley Nishwitz1 min read

In 1928, a football victory at Georgetown University resulted in a surprise wedding for Marjorie Morris and F Stanley Nishwitz. Read the story of this unique bet and the final score that rang the wedding bells!

Medical students dissect a cadaver during the Civil War (National Museum of Civil War Medicine)
Charles Shaw’s Body and DC’s Body Snatchers in 18833 min read

In January 1883, the body of hanged murderer Charles Shaw lay in a medical college at 10th and E. Students drew straws for the parts, $3 a limb.

Washington's Joe Judge sliding at home
Joe Judge: Washington’s First Baseman from 1915 to 19325 min read

Judge spent most of his career with Washington and made the city his home after his playing days.

Half-length portrait of Charles Moran, baseball player for the American League Washington Senators, standing at South Side Park which was located at West 37th Street, South Princeton Avenue, West Pershing Road (formerly West 39th Street), and South Wentworth Avenue in the Armour Square community area of Chicago, Illinois.
The Washington Senators Signed Georgetown Shortstop Charley Moran in December 19022 min read

In December 1902, the Washington Senators signed Charley Moran, the Georgetown University shortstop, to a baseball contract. Unfortunately, he failed to live up to expectations and was out of baseball by 1905.

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