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National Historic Site

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

  • Mid-Atlantic

Plan a Mary McLeod Bethune Council House trip

About Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region
Mid-Atlantic
State
District of Columbia
Designation
National Historic Site
Entrance fee
None listed
  • Trail data for this park is still being added.
  • Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Mary McLeod Bethune Council House.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Mon
Closed
Tue
Closed
Wed
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun
Closed

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.

Weather and when to go

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 fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address
1318 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Official site
nps.gov/mamc

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

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Things to do in Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

  • Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

    Hands-On · about 15 min

    Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each…

  • Places of Interest Related to Mary McLeod Bethune

    Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 2 hours

    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

    Guided Tours · about 50 min · Reservation required

    Learn about the life and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune as well as the work of the organization she established, the National Council of Negro Women, and how she used the power of…

  • Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS Bookstore

    Bookstore and Park Store · about 15 min

    Visitors can purchase educational products and books related to Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, the Civil Rights Movement, and Women's History.

What to pack for Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

Gear & Essentials

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The basics

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For this trip

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