2025 marks the Association of the Oldest Inhabitants 160th year since its founding on December 7, 1865. On that date, after a preliminary organizational meeting the month before, the 31 somewhat prominent Washingtonians met in the chambers of the old City Hall (now the U.S. District Court of Appeals) to formalize the founding of the organization. Its members were Washington, D.C. residents who had been born on or before 1820, making them some of the oldest residents of the city. The Association's mission was to preserve the history and traditions of the District of Columbia.
What is the William Noble Brown Preservation Fund and why should I support it?
On the occasion of AOI's 160th anniversary, the AOI Board established The William Noble Brown Preservation Fund: to fundraise in support of on-going efforts to digitize AOI's extensive collection of photographs, important documents and memorabilia... to make these images available to genealogical researchers, authors and journalists. Initially named "Project 160," the Board redesignated it at the organization's 160th Anniversary Celebration on November 20, 2025, in honor of its second, longest-serving President Bill Brown (1999-2019).
Additionally, AOI President Dr. Cindy Gueli has invited AOI members and their families to document their personal histories and life journeys as residents of the District of Columbia via AOI Members' Stories.
Another initiative that Cindy has introduced is that of better documenting the stories of some of the AOI's Founding Members.
President Gueli, working with other current and past members of the AOI Board, is undertaking to publish a history of the AOI's first 160 years if a proposal pitched to History Press is accepted.
So, as you can imagine, there is a lot going on during the 160th (and beyond) celebration of the organization's 160th year and we hope that you will support these initiatives with an additional contribution. We're suggesting that your tax-deductible donation be in the form of "160"... $16.00, $160, $1,600... If you would like to make a donation to support this initiative in addition to your annual (still bargain rate!) $25 dues, please use the tab below and direct your attention to the lower right panel. Psst! If prompted for a password, it is 1865.
And, again, as always: "Thank you for your continued support" to the District of Columbia's first and only continuously operating historical organization.
Additionally, AOI President Dr. Cindy Gueli has invited AOI members and their families to document their personal histories and life journeys as residents of the District of Columbia via AOI Members' Stories.
Another initiative that Cindy has introduced is that of better documenting the stories of some of the AOI's Founding Members.
President Gueli, working with other current and past members of the AOI Board, is undertaking to publish a history of the AOI's first 160 years if a proposal pitched to History Press is accepted.
So, as you can imagine, there is a lot going on during the 160th (and beyond) celebration of the organization's 160th year and we hope that you will support these initiatives with an additional contribution. We're suggesting that your tax-deductible donation be in the form of "160"... $16.00, $160, $1,600... If you would like to make a donation to support this initiative in addition to your annual (still bargain rate!) $25 dues, please use the tab below and direct your attention to the lower right panel. Psst! If prompted for a password, it is 1865.
And, again, as always: "Thank you for your continued support" to the District of Columbia's first and only continuously operating historical organization.
To view some examples of the type of documents and images we hope to digitize -- in addition to the 130 analog audio files -- view the slide show below.