Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
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.
The Basics
Hours:
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is open year round Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The last tour starts at 4 p.m.
We are closed on Sundays.
We are also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The National Archives for Black Women's History is open by appointment only. Please follow the link for more information.
Address:
1318 Vermont Ave Northwest
Washington, DC 20005-3607
From Baltimore and Points North: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south to US Route 50 west (which becomes New York Avenue). Take New York Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue and continue west. Turn right onto 13th Street. Go one block and turn left onto 'N' Street. Go another block and turn right onto Vermont Avenue. 1318 is an half block up the street on the left.
From Virginia and Points South: Take 14th Street north to Thomas Circle. Make a right off Thomas Circle onto Vermont Avenue. Cross over 'N' Street, and 1318 is one half block ahead on the left.
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.
