Learn About the Park

Photo of Woodsons Home

National Park Service (National Capital Parks East)

Carter G. Woodson’s best-known contribution occurs every February. He initiated the celebration of the first "Negro History Week" in 1926, focusing on black history. Woodson chose the second week of February for this special observance because it corresponds with the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln (February 12th) and Frederick Douglass (February 14th). Over the years, support grew, and in 1976, the celebration was extended to an entire month, now called "Black History Month." Today, people celebrate Black History Month in many ways, and schools across the nation take a closer look at African American history during the month of February.

Carter G. Woodson passed away in his “office-home” on April 3, 1950 at the age of 74. The nation recognized his achievements in 1976 when his home was declared a National Historic Landmark, in 2003 when an act of Congress named his home a National Historic Site, and in 2006 when the Carter G. Woodson Home became the 389th unit of the National Park System. Together, the National Park Service and ASALH are working to rehabilitate and restore the historic building and the two adjacent properties.

 

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  The Office-Home

  Learn more about the pioneering work done by Dr. Woodson and others from out of this American treasure that is now a national historic site.

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  Things to Do

  Carter G. Woodson

  Learn more about the man called, "the Father of African American History."

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  News

  Learn about all things related to the Woodson Home, events, public programming, and more...

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  Woodson on Social Media

  Follow the Carter G. Woodson Home NHS on social media.

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  Become a Junior Ranger!

  Kids & Youth

  The Carter G. Woodson Home NHS offers a variety of curriculum based instruments to help to teach children about Dr. Woodson and his legacy.