Built in 1907 by Marian MacDowell, a pianist and wife to the popular composer Edward MacDowell to house various artists of different mediums and expertise, the MacDowell Colony is one of the most successful art colonies in US history. It primarily operated through donations.

The MacDowell Colony has been a temporary home to about 6000 artists through its years of operation. Free room and board were offered to artists where they can focus on their craft without interruptions. It managed to survive the world wars and the Great Depression under the leadership of its founder, making it a real notable historic place.

Boasting of at least 61 Pulitzer Prizes under its belt, the MacDowell Colony was declared as a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1997.