Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
Step into the historic headquarters of the National Woman's Party and explore the fight for women's equality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open days, fewer crowds
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
Best Time
Open days, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the historic headquarters of the National Woman's Party and explore the fight for women's equality.
"A wonderful historical monument dedicated to the women’s rights movement in the USA."
Check Accessibility First! ♿
Confirm lift status before visiting; it's been out of order.
Free Ranger Tours 🗣️
Highly recommended for in-depth history and insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alice Paul's Desk
Main Exhibit Area
See the actual desk of Alice Paul, a pivotal leader in the women's suffrage movement. Imagine the decisions made here!
Suffrage Banners & Buttons
Exhibit Displays
View powerful banners and buttons used in the fight for women's equality, tangible pieces of history.
National Woman's Party Headquarters
The Entire Building
Experience the historic home that served as the nerve center for the women's rights movement for decades.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility Alert
Free Admission & Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Accessibility First! ♿
Confirm lift status before visiting; it's been out of order.
Free Ranger Tours 🗣️
Highly recommended for in-depth history and insights.
Hidden Gem Alert! ✨
A less crowded, impactful historical site on Capitol Hill.
Bring Your Passport 🛂
There's a stamp station for National Park passports.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Accessibility First! ♿
Confirm lift status before visiting; it's been out of order.
Free Ranger Tours 🗣️
Highly recommended for in-depth history and insights.
Hidden Gem Alert! ✨
A less crowded, impactful historical site on Capitol Hill.
Bring Your Passport 🛂
There's a stamp station for National Park passports.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument as a hidden gem offering a profound and free historical experience, particularly appreciating the insightful ranger tours and the tangible artifacts of the women's suffrage movement. However, a significant drawback is the ongoing inaccessibility due to a broken entrance lift, which limits access for many.
"I came here on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon during a weekend trip to DC from NYC with two other people. I am a big fan of the Suffragist movement so this place was very exciting to me.
We came for the 2pm Ranger tour. It was not crowded at all. Admission and the tour are free so no advance tickets were required. Everyone at the Monument were so lovely and seemed honored/happy to be working there. The tour lasted about 40 minutes. There is a small gift shop, a library where they had many books as well as what appeared to be children’s crafts. There was one bathroom on the premises for guests. I didn’t see any parking offered which is not uncommon for central DC.
I really enjoyed coming here and would highly recommend a visit to learn about the brave women who fought for the right to vote and equality. I would love to go back."
David Joseph
"A wonderful historical monument dedicated to the women’s rights movement in the USA. There is a small museum and also a gift shop. It is free and located behind the National Capital Building."
Sam L
"Update: Just as an update, as of 10/15/24, this site continues to be entirely inaccessible for anyone who cannot climb 10+ stairs. It has been over 8 months and counting that the accessible lift has been broken.
Their response as of 10/15/24 continues to consist of platitudes without any evidence to substantiate that they are actively working on repairs. Their response is as follows:
"We understand your concern that the repair of the exterior lift to the entrance of Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument is long delayed and share your frustration. Work to replace non-functioning components of the lift continues. We do not have an estimated date that the lift will return to full functionality. We apologize that the site is not fully accessible and are determined to remedy the situation as soon as we can."
It doesn't sound like it's likely to get fixed anytime soon without additional public or legal pressure.
From 2/10/24:
This site is not currently accessible for people who cannot do >10 stairs. The contract to replace the lift is currently being finalized. Once finalized, NPS should have a time frame of when the work will start. NPS will update our website once complete, and the lift is operational again.
The lift inside to get you to the main museum, surpassing 3 stairs, is operational. The single stall restroom has grab bars behind and on the right side but not enough room to position a wheelchair next to it if that's needed to transfer.
There is a gift shop and a stamp station for folks with National Park passports but no food or drink on-site.
We spent about 1.5 hours here to check out the information in the library and the displays. I learned so much more than expected about the suffrage movement. I'd highly recommend this free museum, and little known historical hot spot."
Maya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The closest Metro stations are Capitol South (Orange, Silver, Blue lines) and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver, Blue lines). Parking in central D.C. can be challenging and is not offered on-site.
Parking is not typically offered on-site, and street parking in the Capitol Hill area can be difficult to find. It's best to rely on public transportation like the Metro or ride-sharing services.
The Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument is generally open Friday through Sunday. However, hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument is completely free. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers exploring Washington D.C.
Typically, advance tickets are not required for the free ranger-led tours. However, as the site is not always crowded, it's advisable to arrive a little early to ensure a spot, especially if you have a specific tour time in mind.
Unfortunately, the main entrance lift has been under repair for an extended period, making the site inaccessible for those unable to climb stairs. Visitors are strongly advised to check the official NPS website for the latest accessibility updates before planning their visit.
The best way to experience the monument is by taking a ranger-led tour. These tours provide valuable historical context and insights into the lives and work of the women who shaped the suffrage movement.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits featuring artifacts from the National Woman's Party, including Alice Paul's desk, suffrage banners, and buttons. The site also houses a library with extensive resources on women's rights history.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours at the monument, especially if they take a ranger tour and explore the library. This allows for a thorough understanding of the exhibits and historical significance.
Yes, there is a single-stall restroom on the premises. While it has grab bars, it may not offer enough space for wheelchair transfers.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase items related to women's equality and the suffrage movement.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the park rangers on-site for specific guidelines regarding photography within the exhibit areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or drink services available on-site at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument. Visitors are advised to eat before or after their visit.
Yes, the monument is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. You'll find many options within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The most compelling photo opportunities lie in capturing the historical artifacts, such as Alice Paul's desk and the suffrage banners. The exterior of the historic building also offers a picturesque backdrop.
It's generally recommended to avoid flash photography in historical sites to protect delicate artifacts. Always confirm with staff on-site for their specific photography guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on-site. The library offers a quieter space for older children interested in further research. It's a good idea to gauge your children's interest in history and social movements beforehand to ensure they'll appreciate the experience.
🏛️ History Buffs & Activism Enthusiasts
The ranger-led tours are particularly insightful, providing context and stories that bring the exhibits to life. The library also offers a wealth of information for those who want to delve deeper into the archives and understand the complexities of the suffrage movement and its legacy.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Since there are no food services on-site, plan to bring your own water bottle and snacks, or dine at one of the many affordable eateries in the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood. The monument provides a rich historical experience without any cost, making it a smart addition to any D.C. itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Headquarters of the National Woman's Party
Inside, you'll find preserved spaces that offer a glimpse into the daily lives and work of the suffragists. The monument showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, including banners, buttons, and personal items belonging to key figures. The presence of Alice Paul's desk is particularly poignant, serving as a tangible link to the determination and leadership that drove the movement forward.
Beyond the exhibits, the monument also features a library filled with books and resources on women's rights. This space allows for deeper research and understanding of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The dedicated park rangers are also a valuable resource, offering engaging tours that bring the history to life and answer visitor questions.
Navigating Accessibility Challenges
While the interior lift to the main museum (surpassing three stairs) is operational, the lack of a functioning exterior lift presents a major barrier. The National Park Service has acknowledged the issue, stating that repairs are ongoing, but an estimated completion date has not been provided. Visitors are strongly urged to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information on accessibility before planning their trip.
For those who can access the site, the single-stall restroom is equipped with grab bars, but its limited space may pose challenges for wheelchair users needing to transfer. The absence of food and drink services on-site also means visitors should plan accordingly.
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