News Release

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Contact: NCR Communications
WASHINGTON – The National Park Service (NPS), through its George Washington Memorial Parkway, is excited to announce plans to rehabilitate the Clara Barton National Historic Site— and we want your input!
This special site, a National Historic Landmark in Glen Echo, Maryland, was home to Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. From 1891 to 1912, it served as her residence, a warehouse for emergency supplies, and the first national headquarters of the American Red Cross.
Now, we’re planning a major rehabilitation to preserve the site and make it safer, more accessible, and ready to welcome even more visitors in the years to come. The project includes essential repairs and updates to meet modern health and safety standards, while honoring the historic character of the building.
We want to hear from you!
Your voice matters. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that explains the proposed work and its potential impacts. Once the EA is released, there will be a public comment period. You’ll be able to review the document and share your thoughts.
Comment Period: July 15 – Sept. 9, 2025
View documents and submit comments online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/clarabartonrehab
Or send by mail to:
Superintendent
Attn: Rehab Clara Barton NHS EA
700 George Washington Mem Parkway
McLean, VA 22101
Please make sure mailed comments are postmarked by Sept. 9, 2025. All comments are part of the public record. While we’ll do our best to honor privacy requests, full confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Clara Barton’s legacy of service and care continues to inspire millions. Help us preserve this important site for future generations— your feedback will help shape its future.
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More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 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.
Last updated: July 15, 2025