Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: District of Columbia
š 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 Bethuneās last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the NCNW spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests of African American women.
š¤ 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.
š 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
Friday, May 15
Sunny
High: 74.7Ā°F | Low: 47.1Ā°F
Humidity: 51%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 05:56 AM
Sunset: 08:14 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (5%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 16
Sunny
High: 84.4Ā°F | Low: 51.3Ā°F
Humidity: 49%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 8.5
Sunrise: 05:55 AM
Sunset: 08:15 PM
Moon: New Moon (1%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 58.2Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 17
Patchy rain nearby
High: 83.3Ā°F | Low: 61.7Ā°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 8.1 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 7.9
Sunrise: 05:54 AM
Sunset: 08:16 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 65.6Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Effective: May 15, 2026 2:27pm
Expires: May 15, 2026 2:37pm
Monitoring message only. Please disregard.
Park Events
Mrs. Bethune and the Women's Army CorpsĀ
In celebration of Women's History Month, guests will learn about the role of African American women in the military during World War II.Ā Guests will be allowed to explore historical items associated with the Womenās Army Corps. Park Rangers will be present, dressed in Womenās 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 bookāJoy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance.Ā During the 1920s, AāLelia Walker (daughter of Madam C.J. Walker) was an internationally famous heiress whose glamorous soirees were so memorable that poet Langston Hughes dubbed her āthe joy goddess of Harlemās 1920s.āĀ Long overshadowed by her motherās legacy, AāLelia Walkerās radiant personality, impresario instincts and international travels are brought to life through her voluminous personal correspondence and a trove of archival research.Ā 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
Visitor Center & Contacts
š Physical Address:
1318 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
š¤ Mailing Address:
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
1318 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
š Voice Phone: 771-208-1583
āļø Email: mamc_visitorservices@nps.gov