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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

A Victorian townhouse serving as a memorial to Mary McLeod Bethune and the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women, now housing the National Archives for Black Women's History.

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Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site known for?

It is a memorial to Mary McLeod Bethune and recognizes the achievements of African American women. The site served as Bethune's last home in Washington, D.C., and was the first national headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) from 1943 to 1966.

What are the hours?

Public hours are listed as 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with ranger-guided tours available starting Wednesday. Other reports indicate hours from Thursday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where is it located?

The site is located at 1318 Vermont Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.

What can I see at the site?

The site consists of a three-story Victorian townhouse and a two-story carriage house. It also contains the National Archives for Black Women's History, which is the only institution in the U.S. solely dedicated to that purpose.

Can I use the research center?

Yes, the site continues to serve as a research center, but the archives and research center are open only by appointment.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 1318 Vermont Avenue NW, the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site consists of a three-story Victorian townhouse and a two-story carriage house. This residence served as the final home of Mary McLeod Bethune in Washington, D.C., and is the location where she achieved her greatest professional recognition. From 1943 to 1966, the townhouse functioned as the first national headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Because of its immense historical value in recognizing the achievements of African American women, Congress designated the property as a National Historic Site in 1982. Today, the site is administered by the National Park Service. Beyond its role as a memorial, the house contains the National Archives for Black Women's History, which stands as the only institution in the United States solely dedicated to this purpose. The property continues to operate as a research center, though access to the archives and research facilities is available only by appointment. Visitors can explore the legacy of this pioneer through ranger-guided tours. The site preserves the intersection of private life and public activism, marking the space where Bethune coordinated national efforts for civil rights and women's empowerment.

Visitor tips

  • Check for ranger-guided tours, which are typically available between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
  • If you wish to use the research center or archives, remember that these are open only by appointment.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site includes both a three-story townhouse and a carriage house.

Nearby context

The site is situated in Northwest Washington, D.C., on Vermont Avenue NW, placing it within the historic urban fabric of the capital where Bethune managed her national advocacy work.

Sources

Evidence and links