Grassy field in front of Clara Barton National Historic Site closed beginning January 17, 2012 for several days.

A project to install a geothermal climate control system at Clara Barton National Historic Site will get under way with the boring of a test well beginning January 17, 2012. The project will take several days.  The test will determine the number of wells that will be needed to provide the house cool air in the summer and heat in the winter.

The test well will be bored in the flat grass lawn in front of Clara Barton National Historic Site and adjacent to the main parking lot of Glen Echo Park. The lawn which is sometimes used for overflow parking will be closed for the test drill beginning January 17, 2012 and remain closed until the project is completed.  

Along with the project to bring a climate control system to the historic home of the founder of the American Red Cross will be projects to upgrade the electric and water systems and to install a fire suppression system at the site. 

Programming at Clara Barton National Historic Site will not be interrupted by the test drill. The public is invited to tour the historic home of Clara Barton, which also served as headquarters and a warehouse for the American Red Cross. The house is shown by guided tour every hour on the hour between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. seven days a week. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. For more information, please call 301-320-1410.

Clara Barton's Glen Echo, Maryland home was a place of service. It was her house, but she used it as headquarters, warehouse and living quarters for the American Red Cross.

Everything about the place conveyed Clara Barton's sense of duty, commitment and dedication to serving others.

House shown by guided tour only and tours start on the hour: 

10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12 Noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Clara Barton National Historic Site is not air-conditioned nor well heated. The house has a front porch, but there is no other shelter while waiting for tours.

Public restrooms, seasonal drinking water fountains and limited food services are available at adjacent Glen Echo Park.

Only the first floor of the house is wheelchair accessible.

Eastern National Passport station and bookstore located inside the house and may be accessed as part of the house tour.

Groups of ten people or more need reservations.

Please call 301-320-1410 for more information or to schedule a reservation.

Open daily all year-except closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

Collect the National Park Service Civil War to Civil Rights trading cards during your visit.

Free admission.