National Building Museum/ Casein ( Milk) Paint

What is known today as the National Building Museum started out as the Pension Building for the processing of Civil War pensions and benefits to widows and orphans. Completed in 1887. The surface was painted with red ochre pigment in 'milk (casein) paint'. A paint formulation considered outdated after 1960 with the advent of the acrylic binders. A paint harmless to prepare and causing no health problems with exposure.