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NPS / Juliet Gear
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Contact: NCR Communications
WASHINGTON — This summer, the National Park Service (NPS) invites you to a free, accessible and joyful celebration of a towering figure in American history: Mary McLeod Bethune. A champion of education, civil rights and women’s leadership, Bethune was born 150 years ago— and her legacy continues to light the way toward justice and equality.
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Park (East Capitol & 11th Streets, Washington, DC)
The event begins with a ceremony honoring Bethune’s enduring impact, followed by a R&B concert by The Tribe Band at 6:30 p.m. The celebration includes living history performances, guided tours of the nearby Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site and interactive programs for all ages.
“Mary McLeod Bethune was a visionary,” said Program Manager for Visitor Services at NPS National Capital Parks–East Vincent Vaise. She was the most powerful leader in the Civil Rights movement during the 1940s and turned education into a tool for liberation and civic power. We hope people of all ages join us to celebrate her 150th birthday and be inspired by the example she set.”
Born on July 10, 1875, to formerly enslaved parents in Mayesville, South Carolina, Bethune rose to national prominence through her tireless work to expand opportunity—especially for Black women. She founded Bethune-Cookman University, the National Council of Negro Women and advised four U.S. presidents.
Bethune’s statue in Lincoln Park was dedicated in 1974. It was re-dedicated in 2024 on its 50th anniversary, in partnership with the National Council of Negro Women.
Each year, the National Park Service honors Bethune’s birthday. This year’s 150th celebration is more than a milestone— it’s a powerful reminder that courage, vision and service can change the world. The event also showcases a beautiful, clean, and safe public space in the nation’s capital— a place where residents and visitors alike can feel welcome, joyful, and at ease.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to this free, welcoming and inspiring community event. Whether you’re learning about Mary McLeod Bethune for the first time or honoring her as your lifelong hero, your presence helps keep her legacy alive.
Learn more about the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site at nps.gov/mamc.
About National Capital Parks – East
National Capital Parks – East is where nature, history, and community thrive together. Spanning more than 91 parks and 8,000 acres across D.C. and Maryland, these special places honor heroes, connect neighbors, and offer space to play, learn, and heal. From the home of Frederick Douglass to the trails of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, and so much more, every site is a place to be inspired and belong. Learn more at National Capital Parks-East (U.S. National Park Service)
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
NPS / Juliet Gear
Last updated: July 9, 2025