Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site • District of Columbia

MAMC

Table with glass table top and wooden chairs

A room with ornate furniture, crystal chandelier, large mirror, and large portrait of Mrs. Bethune

A desk and chairs roped off with other furnishings and objects mounted on the walls

A historic photo of the parlor room is held up in front of the same view today.

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.

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

Visitors can view original Boardroom Conference Table where Mary McLeod Bethune and NCNW members met and planned programs that affected African American women, their families, and communities.
NPS

The Parlor was served as the setting where Mary McLeod Bethune and NCNW members entertained guests and foreign dignitaries, and also where seminars and other important meetings were held.
NPS

This room served as the NCNW President's Office where meetings were held and business was conducted.
NPS

Walk the same rooms as Mrs. Bethune and the NCNW.
NPS

Illustration of Mrs. Bethune wearing a blue dress, necklace, flower, and colorful words and shapes

Mary McLeod Bethune Birthday Celebration

Celebrate the 151st birthday of Mrs. Bethune with an event for kids at Lincoln Park and a screening of the film "The Six Triple Eight"!

Tour the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS

Tour the Historic House

The Council House is open to the public for tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Learn more here.

Desk and chairs

A National Headquarters for Change

The Council House served as the first national headquarters of the NCNW from 1943-1966. Learn more about the home's history.

Who was Mrs. Bethune?

"The First Lady of Negro America"

Mary McLeod Bethune was a world-renowned educator, civil rights champion, leader of women, presidential adviser, and public servant.

Image suggesting 360-degree view of Bethune House.

Can't tour the house? Launch the virtual tour to see inside the house and learn more about Mrs. Bethune and her work.

People

Mrs. Bethune was a mentor to many. Learn about her successors and the many other women who entered the threshold of the Council House.

Large crowd of people gather outside in front of a large statue.

The Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial

In 1974, the National Council of Negro Women erected this memorial to honor their founding president in D.C.'s historic Lincoln Park.

Access Archives for Black Women's History

The Council House also stewards the National Archives for Black Women's History. Learn more here.

Access the park

Learn how you can access the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS.

Explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area

Nearby Attractions

Explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
1318 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005

Phone:

771-208-1583

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