Business leaders, attorneys, artists, and media experts were among the many people to fill O Museum in the Mansion for the 47th anniversary celebration of the historic site and 76th birthday of the venue’s founder, H.H. Leonards, on Nov. 10.
With cocktails flowing, a variety of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, and Sirius Company keeping the party going with their go-go sounds, the event allowed for guests to have a good time while honoring the legacy of the museum and its visionary.
Leondars’ son, Z Stein, celebrated his mother’s work for others through the mansion, which has served as a place of comfort and respite for all sorts of guests.
“I literally grew up in this house and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the O Museum isn’t about what’s on the walls. It’s about the stories between them,” said Stein, the museum’s CEO. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some extraordinary people- famous musicians, athletes, presidents even, people everyone in this room would recognize.”
One such person was civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
“After she was attacked in her home in Detroit, my mother offered her a safe place to stay,” Stein continued. “What began as a temporary refuge, became a lifelong friendship, and Mrs. Parks spent nearly 10 years on and off calling this place home.
And while everyone knows who Mrs. Parks,… there are countless others whose stories have rarely been told.“
The museum CEO shared stories from over the years of some of the people who stayed in the mansion, which features unique, eye-catching and beautiful decor along with bookcases, walls and mirrors with hidden doors. They not only contributed to the site, but to Leonards’ family, and the District overall.
“My mother didn’t help people because of what she thought they could give her. She helped because they needed it and because she could. But what makes these stories so remarkable is that the people who she helped, ended up giving back in ways that she could have never imagined,” he explained. “True generosity isn’t about recognition, or what you get in return. It’s about doing what’s right immediately.
And that’s the spirit of kindness and generosity that my mother built this place around for 47 years.”
The gala served as a fundraiser to sustain the arts and education programs at the O Museum in the Mansion, located at 2020 O Street NW.
“For things to run in a smooth way and an efficient and effective manner, it takes money,” said longtime public relations specialist Raymone Bain, before introducing the live auction segment of the night, which included Janet Jackson’s performance shoes and a full experience at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. “We’re not just asking you to pull anything out of your pockets. We’re giving you something in return.”
Now, Stein is looking toward the future.
“We’ve come a long way. I believe the best chapters in this place are still ahead of us,” said Stein. “As CEO, I want to make sure that 47 years from now, people are still wandering these halls, discovering secret doors, and making memories.”
