Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
Mary McLeod Bethune’s Legacy
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.
From Baltimore and Points North: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south to US Route 50 west (which becomes New York Avenue). Take New York Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue and continue west. Turn right onto 13th Street. Go one block and turn left onto ‘N’ Street. Go another block and turn right onto Vermont Avenue. 1318 is one half block up the street on the left. Street parking is limited and restricted. Please read the street signs carefully.
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
Also serves as the satellite visitor’s center for the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site (which is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is closed to the public) National Archives for Black Women’s History
The National Archives for Black Women’s History documents the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune. The archives collects materials about and illustrating Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, other African American women’s organizations, and individuals associated with those organizations. The archives also documents the ongoing preservation and interpretation of the Bethune legacy. Researcher access is by appointment only.
Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.