Pauline "Polly" Shackleton Residence
Shackleton, who resided her from 1959 to 1997, was an important local politician and strong advocate for the city and its residents.
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The Pauline “Polly” Shackleton Residence was constructed in 1940 and is located in the Georgetown Historic District. The house was designed in a 20th century Colonial Revival style by Gertrude Sawyer, a noted female architect. The residence is similar to other row houses in the area and retains its original brick facade and wooden windows. Its front entrance has fluted pilasters with a segmental arched pediment above the doorway. Sawyer also owned and likely designed three other Colonial Revival style houses on this block of Reservoir Road.
The house is historically significant because it was the home of Pauline “Polly” Shackleton (1910-1997), who resided there from 1959 to 1997. She was an important local politician and strong advocate for the city and its residents. She was the first woman appointed to DC’s City Council (1967-1970) and also served as Chairwoman for the Democratic National Committee for DC. She also played important roles in several national offices, including working on the committee for housing under President John F. Kennedy, secretary for the Pennsylvania Avenue Commission, and as chair of the Capital Beautification Project.
In 1973, the District of Columbia Home Rule Act was passed, which allowed for the election of the city’s mayor and council. In 1974, Shackleton became a member of the DC Council following the first ever city council election. She served on the DC Council until 1987. Polly Shackleton pushed for change and worked tirelessly to support DC’s disadvantaged residents. She was interested in urban planning and development, and spoke out against the displacement of marginalized residents. Some of her biggest accomplishments included her “inner city” projects that helped with the restoration of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. She also formed “project pride,” which employed high school students to help with the restoration of the Shaw neighborhood. During her time as a Councilmember, her primary concerns were helping underprivileged members of the community, preventing displacement, pushing for development in all neighborhoods, and improving access to healthcare.
Her contributions to local politics were recognized in The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Washington, DC: 1848-1973, a historic context study.
DC Inventory: October 24, 2024
Within Georgetown Historic District
