Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest national and international recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse at 1318 Vermont Avenue, NW, that is now this Historic Site. It was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and was her last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the Council spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests of African American women and the Black community.

		Who Was Mary McLeod Bethune? Mary McLeod Bethune was the 15th of 17 children of former slaves. She grew up amidst the poverty and oppression of the Reconstruction South, yet rose to prominence as an educator, presidential advisor, and political activist. Her life demonstrated the value of education, a philosophy of universal love, and the wise and consistent use of political power in striving for racial and gender equality. more...

		National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a council of national African American women’s organizations and community-based sections. Founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW mission is to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. (from http://www.ncnw.org/).

Write to

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
1318 Vermont Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20005-3607

Phone

Visitor Information
(202) 673-2402

Archives
(202) 673-2402 ext. 240

Fax

(202) 673-2414

Climate

Summer weather in the DC area can be very humid. Please be sure to drink lots of water and take your time walking from the Metro to the site.

Ice storms in the winter can make travel challenging, but are not the norm.