Architecture

Mid-Century Modern Dwellings and Land Conservation

Mid-Century Modern Architecture emerged in the 1940s following World War II, and continued into the 1970s. The style has surged in popularity in recent years. The relative scarcity and therefore fragility of the future of Mid-Century Modern dwellings has been a catalyst for lovers of the style to rally and advocate for an understanding and appreciation of their importance. This has taken several forms: documenting these resources (as in the case of listing the Moyaone Reserve in the National Register of Historic Places), purchasing properties and protecting them with local ordinances and/or preservation easements (as is the case with two houses in the Moyaone Reserve), and inviting others to experience them through tours and publications.

The Moyaone Reserve Association’s successful homes tour has terrific opportunity for growth, dependent upon the desires of homeowners and their willingness to continue opening their homes to visitors. The neighborhood’s unique history and resources, its recognized significance through its National Register listing, and its easy access from major urban cities, position the neighborhood to grow this visitor experience. In 2022, the home tour expanded the experience to include the Accokeek Arts Alliance’s art show sale as well as offering music and a wine social. This is an excellent example of the type of tour package that can attract cultural heritage travelers, particularly those with an interest in Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Land conservation, including the efforts of Robert Ware Straus, Charles Wagner and the Fergusons as part of the development of the Moyaone should be incorporated into interpretation to connect the built environment and the landscape for visitors.

A resource that can be a valuable partner to the Moyaone Reserve Association is USModernist.org, based in Durham, North Carolina.8 Membership is $120 annually. The nonprofit 501(c)3 organization offers several resources including curated modernist home tours and events. The Moyaone Reserve Association could investigate the opportunity to promote the home tour through this channel which would reach an audience with a strong interest in Mid-Century Modern architecture. USModernist’s Educational Archive contains includes profiles on architects and documentation on more than 15,000 houses. Information on the Moyaone Reserve and architect Charles F. Wagner, Jr. could be added to this archive. US Modernist’s weekly newsletter informs members of upcoming tours and events. Docomomo-dc.org is another regional association dedicated to increasing public awareness, appreciation and protection of Modern architecture, landscapes, neighborhoods and sites in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia.

The tour could include a presentation on the history and stories of Moyaone Reserve, Piscataway Park and Hard Bargain Farm. The package could include a tour of homes, history presentation, meal and entertainment. The program and meals could be held at Hard Bargain Farm’s Cafritz Environmental Center. A tour package could also be created as part of a larger experience with other attractions and activities. As the tour package is established, it can be promoted to groups with interests in Mid-Century Modern architecture, landscape conservation, or historic preservation, for example. Promotions could emphasize that tour revenues will help preserve this unique resource.

ACTION

Explore the creation and publication of an oversize, image-rich hardcover “coffee table” publication on the Mid-Century Modern houses in the Moyaone Reserve, combining the abundant historic photographs and drawings with new photographs that illuminates the development of the reserve and its link with nature conservation and the Fergusons. The book would help share the resources and potentially increase awareness and appreciation of them, leading to greater potential for their future protection. A shorter, soft-cover version could also be created to sell during home tours.