Founded in 1825 and housed in a landmarked beaux arts town house, the National Academy is one of the oldest art institutions in the country and is dedicated to preserving the academic tradition. There are three components: a fine arts school; an honorary professional association of artists; and a museum, which mounts regular exhibits drawn from its large collection on such themes as "Art in the Age of Queen Victoria" and "The Watercolors of Charles Hawthorne." The Annual Exhibition is the nation's oldest continuing juried show.