Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site | PARK AT A GLANCE

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

PARK OVERVIEW

Located on Vermont Avenue in downtown Washington, D. C., the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site preserves the location of the first headquarters building for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), an organization formed by Bethune as a “national organization of national organizations.” Leaders of various black women activist groups could come together under one roof to pool ideas and resources needed to accomplish similar goals.

Though the NCNW was founded in 1935, it had been running out of Bethune’s living room at her home on 9th Street in Washington, D. C., until the group purchased the house on Vermont Avenue in 1943 for its first official headquarters building. Bethune lived in the house for six years before moving out, but the building continued to serve as the NCNW headquarters until it caught fire in 1966, long after Bethune’s death in 1955. While the fire was contained to the basement, smoke and water damage were severe enough that the NCNW had to move to a new location. Today, visitors can take a Ranger-guided tour of the restored house.


GENERAL INFORMATION

The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is located in downtown Washington, D. C. Avoid driving to the site if possible because there is no parking other than on the street (which is hard to find) or in expensive parking garages. Use the Metro. The closest stop is the McPherson Square station. It is a half-mile walk to the Council House, which should take you anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes. The U Street and Shaw / Howard stations are .7 mile away.


OPERATING HOURS

  • Open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Those who cannot visit the Council House on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday can call and make an appointment to visit on another day, pending staff availability. Call (202) 673-2402 to make an appointment.

Hours can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site.


FEES

There is no charge to visit the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site.


SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Council House Tour
allow 1 to 1.5 hours


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Last updated on April 28, 2020
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