Skip to SearchSkip to NavigationSkip to BodySkip to Footer
National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic SiteMary McLeod Bethune
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly

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.
 
Mary McLeod Bethune

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...
 
A meeting of the NCNW Board of Directors in 1944.

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.
Skip to SearchSkip to NavigationSkip to BodySkip to Footer
Meeting of group of WANDS led by Lieut. General Lovonia H. Brown (far left).  

Did You Know?
In 1944, Mary McLeod Bethune became the leader of the Women's Army for National Defense, a black women's organization founded to "...share in this fight for democracy..., and to provide an instrument through which African American women could serve in this great crisis, with dignity and pride...."

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: December 19, 2008 at 16:55 EST