What are the hours of operation?

The monument is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

The monument is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., near the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, and is a short walk from Union Station.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, the site functions as a museum of women's history and includes some of the best resources on women's suffrage and equal rights in the country.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1800, it is the oldest residence on Capitol Hill. It previously served as the home of the Secretary of the Treasury and was burned by the British during the War of 1812 before becoming a hub for women's rights.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

Q: What is the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument known for?

It served as the headquarters for the National Woman's Party for over 90 years and was a major center for the women's rights and suffrage struggle, specifically the work of Alice Paul on the Equal Rights Amendment.

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

The oldest residence on Capitol Hill, this historic home served as the epicenter for Alice Paul and the National Woman's Party in their fight for the Equal Rights Amendment.

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What to know

The Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, formerly known as the Sewall-Belmont House, stands as the oldest residence on Capitol Hill, having been built in 1800. The building possesses a layered history, once serving as the home of the Secretary of the Treasury before it was burned by the British during the War of 1812. In 1929, the National Woman's Party acquired the property with support from Alva Vanderbilt Belmont. For more than 90 years, the house functioned as the organization's headquarters and a major center for the women's rights struggle. From this location in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, suffragist Alice Paul developed innovative strategies to advocate for women's equality and the Equal Rights Amendment. Recognizing its historical importance, President Barack Obama designated the site as a national monument on April 12, 2016. This designation made the site the 9th unit of the National Park System devoted specifically to women's history. Today, it operates as a museum of women's history, housing some of the best resources on equal rights in the country. Visitors can explore a site that has undergone extensive rehabilitation to preserve its legacy. Recent work completed after January 2022 included the replacement of the standing seam metal roof, repairs to historic windows and doors, and the renovation of the Florence Bayard Hilles Feminist Library, which now features a new fire sprinkler system.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit for Friday through Sunday, as the monument's official hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during those days.
The site is located within a short walk of Union Station, making it easily accessible for those arriving by train.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the monument is situated on Capitol Hill and is best explored as part of a larger neighborhood stroll.

Nearby context

Located at 144 Constitution Avenue NE, the monument is situated in the heart of Capitol Hill. It sits just around the corner from the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court, placing the struggle for women's equality in direct physical proximity to the seats of American legislative and judicial power.

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