Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site


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 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.

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

  • Architecture and Building
  • African American Heritage
  • Great Depression
  • Military
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Presidents
  • Reconstruction
  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Schools and Education
  • Social Movements
  • Civil Rights
  • Voting Rights and Suffrage
  • Tragic Events
  • Forced Marches
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • World War II
  • Women's History

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

MAMC

Bethune Council House in Spring time full bloom!

Boardroom Conference Table

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.

Parlor

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.

President's Office

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.

Past meets present

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.