MAMC
Bethune Council House in Spring time full bloom! NPS Photo/Kenneth Chandler

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

National Historic Site · District of Columbia · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
771-208-1583
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: 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

Activities & features: Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Junior Ranger Program · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Table with glass table top and wooden chairs
    NPS
  • A room with ornate furniture, crystal chandelier, large mirror, and large portrait of Mrs. Bethune
    NPS
  • A desk and chairs roped off with other furnishings and objects mounted on the walls
    NPS
  • A historic photo of the parlor room is held up in front of the same view today.
    NPS

Nearby parks

Parks of District of Columbia

African American Civil War MemorialWashington MonumentRock Creek ParkFranklin Delano Roosevelt MemorialCivil War Defenses of WashingtonWorld War I MemorialTheodore Roosevelt IslandGeorge Washington Memorial ParkwayPennsylvania AvenueCarter G. Woodson Home National Historic SiteKorean War Veterans MemorialThomas Jefferson MemorialThe White House and President's ParkCapitol Hill ParksConstitution GardensFord's Theatre National Historic SiteFort Dupont ParkMartin Luther King, Jr. MemorialFrederick Douglass National Historic SiteKenilworth Park & Aquatic GardensBelmont-Paul Women's Equality National MonumentDwight D. Eisenhower MemorialLBJ Memorial Grove on the PotomacLincoln MemorialChesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical ParkVietnam Veterans MemorialPotomac Heritage National Scenic TrailWorld War II MemorialNational Mall and Memorial ParksAnacostia ParkNational Capital Parks-East

32 parks mapped in District of Columbia

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Guides for the trip

All guides →

Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12