About Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse that is now this National Historic Site. The Council House was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and was Bethune’s last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the NCNW spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests of African American women.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: District of Columbia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is open to the public for ranger-guided tours Wednesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Activities
Current Alerts
The Council House is closed for the rehabilitation of the home’s exterior and interior and to clean the home’s historic artifacts. The building and grounds will be closed from 9:00 a.m. September 9, 2026 until 9:00 a.m. January 27, 2027
Getting There
From Baltimore and Points North: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south to US Route 50 west (which becomes New York Avenue). Take New York Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue and continue west. Turn right onto 13th Street. Go one block and turn left onto 'N' Street. Go another block and turn right onto Vermont Avenue. 1318 is one half block up the street on the left. Street parking is limited and restricted. Please read the street signs carefully.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East
Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and…
Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps
Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital…
Become a Bethune Council House Junior Ranger
Come to the site to obtain a Junior Ranger book and complete it. When you complete it, you can mail…
Places of Interest Related to Mary McLeod Bethune
Explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area related to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
Explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
Learn about the life and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune as well as the work of the organization she established,…
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS Bookstore
Visitors can purchase educational products and books related to Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, the Civil…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
