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.
Photo: NPS Photo/Kenneth Chandler
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.
- LocationWashington, DC
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursToday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now81°F Light rain shower
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- African American Heritage
- Architecture and Building
- Civil Rights
- Forced Marches
- Great Depression
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Presidents
9 more topics
- Reconstruction
- Religion and Spirituality
- Schools and Education
- Social Movements
- Tragic Events
- Voting Rights and Suffrage
- Wars and Conflicts
- Women's History
- World War II
Alerts (1)
Park ClosureTemporarily Closed for Construction The Council House is closed for the rehabilitation of the home’s exterior and interior and to clean the home’s historic… Read more
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
Things to Do
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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 or email it and a Park Ranger will sign your certificate and mail your official Junior Ranger badge
Learn more about Become a Bethune Council House Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.
Learn more about Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
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 education, political…
Learn more about Explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 certificates along the way!
Learn more about Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 Rights Movement, and Women's History.
Learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS Bookstore on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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
Learn more about Places of Interest Related to Mary McLeod Bethune on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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All 7 activities in the park
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Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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National Archives for Black Women's History
Facility
The National Archives for Black Women's History (Located in Landover, MD, click on above title for details) documents the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune. The archives…
National Archives for Black Women's History, Landover, MD (301) 832-3977
Details
The National Archives for Black Women's History (Located in Landover, MD, click on above title for details) documents the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune. The archives collects materials about and illustrating Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, other African American women's organizations, and individuals associated with those organizations. The archives also documents the ongoing preservation and interpretation of the Bethune legacy. Researcher access is by appointment only.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Today: 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
Hours details
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Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic SiteToday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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.
Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday Closed
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
1318 Vermont Avenue NWWashington, DC 20005
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
81°F
Light rain shower · feels like 88°
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Today
95° 63°
Overcast57% rain -
Tomorrow
71° 56°
Light rain shower87% rain -
Sunday
64° 62°
Light rain shower92% rain
Updated 22 min ago
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 9:45AM EDT until October 2 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 9:45AM EDT until October 3 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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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. — NPS -
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Getting There
Washington, DC 20005
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, Washington, DC 20005
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