MAY 17 FINE ARTS COMMISSION

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: May 17, 2025 The Fine Arts Commission William Howard Taft signed it into law on May 17th 1910. Authorizing legislation had been introduced by New York Republican Senator Elihu Root and Massachusetts Representative Samuel McCall, then passed by the GOP-controlled 61st Congress.aft named renowned architect Daniel Burnham to be chairman. The six other members included landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and Charles Moore, secretary of the McMillan Commission. "It shall be the duty of such commission to advise upon the location of statues, fountains, and monuments in the public squares, streets, and parks in the District of Columbia."Within months, the President required CFA review all federal building projects. Further executive orders extended the purview to "new structures which affect in any important way the appearance of the City" and to the DC Government. Additional legislation covered private buildings adjoining federal lands and all structures within the Georgetown historic district. https://rumble.com/v6ti5a1-president-taft-signed-the-bill-establishing-the-fine-arts-commission.html