Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

MAMC
Bethune Council House in Spring time full bloom!
Table with glass table top and wooden chairs
Visitors can view original Boardroom Conference Table where Mary McLeod Bethune and NCNW members met and planned programs that affected African American women, their families, and communities.
A room with ornate furniture, crystal chandelier, large mirror, and large portrait of Mrs. Bethune
The Parlor was served as the setting where Mary McLeod Bethune and NCNW members entertained guests and foreign dignitaries, and also where seminars and other important meetings were held.
A desk and chairs roped off with other furnishings and objects mounted on the walls
This room served as the NCNW President's Office where meetings were held and business was conducted.
A historic photo of the parlor room is held up in front of the same view today.
Walk the same rooms as Mrs. Bethune and the NCNW.
Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State District of Columbia
Designation National Historic Site
State Code DC
Weather 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…

Location & Map

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is located in District of Columbia.

Operating Hours

The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is open to the public for ranger-guided tours Thursday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday Closed
Monday Closed
Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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 Directions

Contact & Address

Address 1318 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20005
Phone 771-208-1583

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building African American Heritage Great Depression Military Monuments and Memorials Presidents Reconstruction Religion and Spirituality Schools and Education Social Movements Civil Rights Voting Rights and Suffrage Tragic Events Forced Marches Wars and Conflicts World War II Women's History

Things To Do

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

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…

Participants complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an…

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

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

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…

Kids complete fun activities and learn about the history of the park.

Places of Interest Related to Mary McLeod Bethune

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

After you visit the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS, take a few hours to visit some of these other…

Explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

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,…

Attend a ranger-guided tour to learn about Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, and the role of…

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS Bookstore

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…

Visitors can peruse and purchase items from the site bookstore associated with Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro…

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