OUR MISSION

The Society, a private non-profit organization, is dedicated to the collection and preservation of the history of the Supreme Court of the United States. Incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1974, it was founded by Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, who served as its first honorary chairman. The Society's headquarters is located at Opperman House, 224 East Capitol Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20003. Opperman House has two important resources: The Goldman Library and the Membership Lounge. The Goldman Library has a conference table suitable for small meetings and luncheons. The books housed therein have been collected through the efforts of Professor James B. O'Hara, a Trustee of the Society, and comprise one of the finest collections of judicial biographies, Justices' writings, and histories of the Court. The collection also includes materials relating to Solicitors and Attorneys General and Presidents of the United States. The headquarters also has a Membership Lounge, a meeting space located on the third floor sufficient in size for small receptions and luncheons. The Society accomplishes its mission by conducting educational programs, programs of interest to legal practitioners, scholars and historians and the general public, supporting historical research, publishing books, journals, and electronic materials, and by collecting antiques and artifacts related to the Court's history. These activities and others increase the public's awareness of the Court's contributions to our nation's rich constitutional heritage. At present, the Society has about 5,100 individual members who provide financial support and volunteer for service on its standing and ad hoc committees. These committees report to an elected Board of Trustees; the Executive Committee of the Board is principally responsible for policy decisions. The Chief Justice of the United States is the Honorary Chairman of the Society. The Society employs twelve full-time staff members and operates the Gift Shop located in the Supreme Court at One First Street, N.E. Information about the Gift Shop including hours of operation may be found by clicking on the Gift Shop tab of this web site. The Society provides financial support for the Supreme Court Fellows Program as well as staff support and serves as a fiduciary for the Supreme Court Musicale. The Supreme Court Historical Society supports its programs through contributions from its members, gifts and grants from foundations, corporations, law firms and individuals, and a small endowment gift shop. The Society is recognized as a (501) (c) (3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Supreme Court Historical Society is always eager to hear what you think. Please share your ideas and suggestions at suggestions@supremecourthistory.org. Your comments will be sent to a member of the Society's staff. Thank you for your interest in helping the Society improve its services and program offerings.