Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: District of Columbia
đ Park Overview
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 Bethuneâs last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the NCNW spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests of African American women.
đ¤ Weather Information
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.
đ Directions
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.
Images
Bethune Council House in Spring time full bloom!
Credit: NPS Photo/Kenneth Chandler
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.
Credit: NPS
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.
Credit: NPS
This room served as the NCNW President's Office where meetings were held and business was conducted.
Credit: NPS
Walk the same rooms as Mrs. Bethune and the NCNW.
Credit: NPS
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Jul 27
Sunny
High: 92.1°F | Low: 71.1°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 5.8 mph
Rain Chance: 4%
UV Index: 8.2
Sunrise: 06:04 AM
Sunset: 08:24 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 74.4°F
Cloud Cover: 4%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Jul 28
Patchy rain nearby
High: 93.4°F | Low: 68.9°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 9.2 mph
Rain Chance: 73%
UV Index: 5.4
Sunrise: 06:05 AM
Sunset: 08:23 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 71.5°F
Cloud Cover: 73%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Jul 29
Sunny
High: 85.8°F | Low: 65.9°F
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 11 mph
Rain Chance: 8%
UV Index: 6.3
Sunrise: 06:06 AM
Sunset: 08:22 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 68.9°F
Cloud Cover: 8%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Small Craft Advisory issued July 27 at 2:50PM EDT until July 28 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Jul 27, 2026 2:50pm
Expires: Jul 27, 2026 11:00pm
* WHAT...South winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From 1 PM to 8 PM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Park Events
Mrs. Bethune and the Women's Army CorpsÂ
In celebration of Women's History Month, guests will learn about the role of African American women in the military during World War II. Guests will be allowed to explore historical items associated with the Womenâs Army Corps. Park Rangers will be present, dressed in Womenâs Army Corps uniforms, and will be able to answer questions and provide historical knowledge.
Date: Mar 14, 2026 12:00am to Mar 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance
In celebration of Women's History Month, join us as journalist and author A'Lelia Bundles discusses her latest bookâJoy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance. During the 1920s, AâLelia Walker (daughter of Madam C.J. Walker) was an internationally famous heiress whose glamorous soirees were so memorable that poet Langston Hughes dubbed her âthe joy goddess of Harlemâs 1920s.â Long overshadowed by her motherâs legacy, AâLelia Walkerâs radiant personality, impresario instincts and international travels are brought to life through her voluminous personal correspondence and a trove of archival research. Books will be available for purchase in the site bookstore.
Reservations are required. Email BethuneNHS@nps.gov.
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Mary McLeod Bethune's 151st Birthday Celebration
Date: Jul 10, 2026 12:00am to Jul 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Celebrating America & the 6888th
⢠Your email address
⢠Your phone number
⢠The number of tickets you would like to reserve (maximum of 4 tickets per person)  If you need to reserve a wheelchair accessible seat and accompanying companion seat, please include that in your message so we can accommodate your request.  Please note that seats are not assigned. All seating will be firstâcome, firstâserve on the day of the program.
Location: The Miracle Theatre 535 8th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
Date: Jul 11, 2026 12:00am to Jul 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Read with a Ranger
In celebration of National Park Week, kids and youth are welcome to come to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS on Wednesday, August 26th at 11:00 am and read a story with a ranger and complete the site Junior Ranger Booklet to earn a Junior Ranger certificate and badge.
The book that will be read is "Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation" by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Date: Aug 26, 2026 12:00am to Aug 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Read with a Ranger
In celebration of National Park Week, kids and youth are welcome to come to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS on Saturday, August 29th at 11:00 am and read a story with a ranger and complete the site Junior Ranger Booklet to earn a Junior Ranger certificate and badge.
The book that will be read is "Simone Visits the Museum" by Dr. Kelsi Bracmort.
Date: Aug 29, 2026 12:00am to Aug 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
đ Physical Address:
1318 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
đ¤ Mailing Address:
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
1318 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
đ Voice Phone: 771-208-1583
âď¸ Email: mamc_visitorservices@nps.gov