Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
A historic gem honoring civil rights pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Council of Negro Women.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Site is open
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
Best Time
Site is open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic gem honoring civil rights pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Council of Negro Women.
"The rangers go above and beyond, offering insightful tours of Bethune’s home."
Ring the Doorbell! :bell:
No tickets needed! Just walk in and ring the doorbell to announce your arrival. It's completely free!
Steep Stairs Alert :warning:
Be mindful of the steep stairs to the second floor. Take your time and be cautious, especially if you have mobility concerns.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mary McLeod Bethune's Office
Second Floor
Step into the shoes of a trailblazer. See her actual typewriter and office equipment.

Inspiring Life Story
Throughout the House
Learn about Bethune's incredible journey from former slave's daughter to influential leader.

National Council of Negro Women History
Exhibits
Discover the founding and impact of the organization Bethune established.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tours
Free Admission & Junior Ranger Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ring the Doorbell! :bell:
No tickets needed! Just walk in and ring the doorbell to announce your arrival. It's completely free!
Steep Stairs Alert :warning:
Be mindful of the steep stairs to the second floor. Take your time and be cautious, especially if you have mobility concerns.
Junior Ranger Program :star:
A fantastic spot for kids to earn a Junior Ranger badge. It's an engaging way for them to learn about history.
Stamps Available :postbox:
Collect unique National Park Service stamps here, including four special ones!
Tips
from all over the internet
Ring the Doorbell! :bell:
No tickets needed! Just walk in and ring the doorbell to announce your arrival. It's completely free!
Steep Stairs Alert :warning:
Be mindful of the steep stairs to the second floor. Take your time and be cautious, especially if you have mobility concerns.
Junior Ranger Program :star:
A fantastic spot for kids to earn a Junior Ranger badge. It's an engaging way for them to learn about history.
Stamps Available :postbox:
Collect unique National Park Service stamps here, including four special ones!
Knowledgeable Rangers :man_teacher:
The park rangers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions and soak in the history!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site for its free admission and the exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm of the park rangers. The opportunity to learn about Mary McLeod Bethune's impactful life and see her preserved office is a highlight. Some note the house's size is modest, and the stairs can be steep.
"Our national park docent was great. He was not only knowledgeable but enthusiastic. There was so much more to Mary McLeod Bethune than we learned in school. It was nice to be able to touch the items in the office like the telephone and typewriter and old fashioned address book. Great experience for kids and adults."
Deeliteful
"This was a nice little brownstone in our national capital. It is has two stories a person can visit. Watch out for the steep stairs going to the secon floor. When I wad there two rangers were on duty. There are typewrites and her office equipment on the second floor. I got thete late so there was no tour as I was doing the Junior ranger program"
Moving on with Old man river
"This site is a national treasure and should be a must see destination for visitors to the nation's capitol. It is free to enter and open on Thursdays and Fridays. Visitors can learn about Mary McLeod Bethune's amazing life and the organization she created, the National Council for Negro Women."
Christina Vortia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is located at 1318 Vermont Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., within the Logan Circle Historic District.
It's accessible via public transportation, with several Metro bus lines serving the area. The nearest Metro stations are McPherson Sq (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) and Farragut West (Blue, Orange, Silver lines), both a moderate walk away. Parking in the area can be challenging and expensive, so public transit is often recommended.Street parking is available in the Logan Circle neighborhood, but it can be metered and competitive. Several commercial parking garages are also located within walking distance, though they can be pricey. Many visitors opt for public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
For ease and cost-effectiveness, taking public transportation is highly recommended. The site is well-served by DC Circulator buses and Metrobus routes. If driving, be prepared for potential parking challenges and costs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to visit the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. Admission is completely free, and you can simply walk in and ring the doorbell to announce your arrival.
The site is typically open on Thursdays and Fridays, with tours offered every 30 minutes. However, there is a break in tours from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Absolutely not! The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is a free attraction. This makes it an excellent and accessible destination for all visitors interested in African American history and civil rights.
Yes, you can! The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site offers four different National Park Service stamps, including special red ones. It's a great souvenir for Junior Rangers and collectors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are led by knowledgeable National Park Service rangers who provide insightful details about Mary McLeod Bethune's life, her activism, and the founding of the National Council of Negro Women. You'll see her office, personal belongings, and learn about her significant contributions to civil rights and education.
The first floor of the house is generally accessible. However, the second floor, where Mary McLeod Bethune's office is located, is accessed by steep stairs. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this limitation.
A visit to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House usually lasts around 30 minutes, including the tour. The house itself is not very large, but the information shared by the rangers is rich and impactful.
While the site focuses on historical preservation, visitors can get a sense of interaction by seeing and sometimes touching items in Mary McLeod Bethune's office, such as her typewriter and telephone. The rangers' engaging presentations also make the experience feel dynamic.
Yes, it's a great place for children! The site offers a Junior Ranger program, and the rangers often tailor their presentations to be engaging for younger visitors. Learning about influential figures like Mary McLeod Bethune can be very inspiring for kids.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House for personal use. However, it's always best to check with the rangers on duty for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or filming.
The exterior of the historic brownstone offers a classic DC streetscape photo. Inside, capturing the preserved office with its vintage typewriter and personal effects can be very evocative. The rangers' enthusiasm also makes for great candid shots if permitted.
Mary McLeod Bethune's office is a highlight for photography, offering a glimpse into her workspace. The exterior of the building, set within the charming Logan Circle neighborhood, also provides a picturesque backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the second floor has steep stairs, the first floor offers a good overview. The visit is relatively short, making it manageable for children's attention spans. It's a chance to introduce them to important African American history in a tangible and accessible way.
📚 History Buffs & Civil Rights Enthusiasts
The site provides a personal glimpse into Bethune's world, with preserved artifacts in her office. The knowledgeable rangers are a key asset, offering detailed historical context and answering in-depth questions. It's an opportunity to connect with a crucial chapter of American history through the lens of one of its most remarkable leaders.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Engaging with the park rangers offers a rich, personal experience that can be particularly fulfilling for solo visitors. You can ask questions freely and absorb the historical narratives at your own pace. It’s a chance for quiet reflection on the achievements of a remarkable woman and her impact on civil rights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune
Her work with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), which she founded in 1935, was instrumental in uniting Black women and advocating for their rights. The Council House served as its first headquarters, a hub for activism and planning. Bethune's vision was one of empowerment, equality, and opportunity for African Americans, particularly women and children.
Visiting the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site offers a tangible connection to her extraordinary life and enduring legacy. It's a place to learn about her resilience, her strategic brilliance, and her unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity. The site preserves not just a building, but the spirit of a woman who profoundly shaped the course of American history.
Exploring the Logan Circle Neighborhood
Walking around Logan Circle before or after your visit to the Bethune House provides a broader context for the site. You can admire the stunning row houses, many of which have been meticulously restored, showcasing the architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is also dotted with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a pleasant place to explore on foot.
This historic district itself tells a story of urban development and preservation in the nation's capital. Its proximity to other significant landmarks in D.C. makes it an ideal location for a day of sightseeing and cultural immersion. The blend of history, architecture, and contemporary city life makes Logan Circle a compelling part of any visit to the area.
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