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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial

A groundbreaking monument in Lincoln Park, this was the first statue of an African American leader and an American woman in Washington, D.C.

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Where is the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial located?

The memorial is located in Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., specifically at 12th and East Capitol Streets SE.

What is the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial known for?

It was the first statue of an African American leader and the first statue of an American woman in Washington, D.C.

What does the statue depict?

The sculpture depicts Mary McLeod Bethune with two young children, looking into the distant future while passing her legacy to a boy as a girl shares the moment.

Who designed the memorial?

The statue was sculpted by Robert Berks, who is also known for his busts of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

When was the memorial dedicated?

The memorial was unveiled and dedicated in 1974, following 16 years of work and a fundraising effort led by the National Council of Negro Women.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial stands as a powerful testament to the legacy of a foremost leader of the Civil Rights Movement from the 1930s to 1955. Located in Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill, the memorial commemorates an educator and activist who founded the National Council of Negro Women and Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune's influence extended to the highest levels of government, where she served as an advisor to four U.S. presidents and was responsible for the creation of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s 'Black Cabinet.' Sculpted by Robert Berks, the statue depicts Bethune with two young children, symbolizing the passing of her legacy to future generations. The project was a monumental effort led by the National Council of Negro Women, which spent 16 years of work and $400,000 to bring the memorial to fruition. When it was finally unveiled and dedicated in 1974, approximately 18,000 people attended the ceremony, marking a historic milestone in the nation's capital. Beyond its artistic merit, the memorial's location is highly symbolic. It sits on a major monument axis that stretches from Lincoln Park toward the Potomac River, aligning it with monuments to Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Kennedy. This placement underscores the importance of Bethune's contributions to American history and her role as a pioneer for Black women's activism in the public spaces of Washington, D.C.

Visitor tips

  • Visit Lincoln Park at 12th and East Capitol Streets SE to find the memorial.
  • If you are interested in Bethune's life, consider visiting the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site for a deeper dive.
  • Allow a few extra minutes to walk around the statue to appreciate the symbolism of the children accompanying Bethune.
  • Check for annual birthday celebrations at the park which often include music and wreath-laying ceremonies.

Nearby context

The memorial is situated within Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill, serving as a landmark of civil rights history within a neighborhood known for its historic government buildings and proximity to the US Capitol.

Sources

Evidence and links