Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Park Closure Temporarily Closed for Construction

The Council House is closed for the rehabilitation of the home’s exterior and interior and to clean the home’s historic artifacts. The building and grounds will be closed from 9:00 a.m. September 9, 2026 until 9:00 a.m. January 27, 2027

Overview

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.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Plan your visit

Hours

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site: The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is open to the public for ranger-guided tours Wednesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Getting there

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.

Weather

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.

Phone: 771-208-1583

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Table with glass table top and wooden chairs
Boardroom Conference Table · NPS
A room with ornate furniture, crystal chandelier, large mirror, and large portrait of Mrs. Bethune
Parlor · NPS
A desk and chairs roped off with other furnishings and objects mounted on the walls
President's Office · NPS
A historic photo of the parlor room is held up in front of the same view today.
Past meets present · NPS

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