Bethune Council House

Save
  • Address
    1318 Vermont Ave NW, Downtown
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    673 2402
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: McPherson Sq

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

One of 17 children born to poor ex-slaves on a cotton farm in South Carolina in 1875, Mary McLeoad Bethune founded a school training teachers to serve the African American community, served as President FDR's special advisor on minority affairs and became the first black woman to head a federal office. Her Washington home has been transformed into an archive and research center and small museum.

Rangers lead you on tours here and show you videotapes about Bethune's life. Exhibits, lectures and workshops on black history are held here as well.