mary-mcleod-bethune-council-house | DC | Find park

Bethune Council House in Spring time full bloom!

Table with glass table top and wooden chairs

Visitors can view original Boardroom Conference Table where Mary McLeod Bethune and NCNW members met and planned programs that affected African American women, their families, and communities.

A room with ornate furniture, crystal chandelier, large mirror, and large portrait of Mrs. Bethune

The Parlor was served as the setting where Mary McLeod Bethune and NCNW members entertained guests and foreign dignitaries, and also where seminars and other important meetings were held.

A desk and chairs roped off with other furnishings and objects mounted on the walls

This room served as the NCNW President's Office where meetings were held and business was conducted.

A historic photo of the parlor room is held up in front of the same view today.

Walk the same rooms as Mrs. Bethune and the NCNW.

Physical Address:

1318 Vermont Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20005

Mailing Address:

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

1318 Vermont Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20005

contact-details

Phone Number: 771-208-1583 Voice

Email Address: BethuneNHS@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse that is now this National Historic Site. The Council House was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and was Bethune’s last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the NCNW spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests of African American women.

park designation:National Historic Site

Directions:

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 one half block up the street on the left. Street parking is limited and restricted. Please read the street signs carefully.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is open for tours on Thursdays and Fridays.

Exceptions:

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.