In celebration of Black History Month 2025, the sites of National Capital Parks-East: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, and Fort Washington Park are offering programming related to this year's National Theme of "African Americans and Labor". SPECIAL EVENTSSaturday, February 1, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm “Walk with Dr. Woodson: An Annual D.C. Tradition!" at Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS (1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005). This event is free however, reservations required and may be made by emailing WoodsonNHS@nps.gov. WEEKLY PROGRAMS
“Walking in the Steps of the Bookman” A free walking tour from the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS to the Carter G. Woodson Home NHS will be offered every Friday in February at 1:00 pm. Dr. Carter G. Woodson was affectionately known as “The Bookman” by residents in the Shaw neighborhood, and this walking tour (approx. 45 minutes) retraces routes and places frequented by Dr. Woodson and represents landmarks in Black History. Participants should meet at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS (located at 1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W.) In the event of inclement weather such as a thunderstorm, snow, or extreme cold, the tour will not be given. Commemorate Black History Month with a special Ranger-guided tour of Fort Washington that focuses on the role of African Americans in the fort’s history. Examine the enslavement of people on the Digges’ plantation and the use of their labor in the construction of the fort, consider the importance of freedom seekers during the War of 1812 and the American Civil War, and appreciate the rise of African Americans in the US Army during the 19th and 20th centuries. ADDITIONAL RESOURCESEach year, a national Black History Theme is selected by the organization that Dr. Carter G. Woodson established in 1915, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH). The 2025 National Theme is: "African Americans and Labor". For more information on the theme and ASALH's annual Black History Month Festival, visit here.Every February during Black History Month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners share stories, rich culture, and an invitation for all Americans to reflect on Black history in parks and communities across the country. Learn more here. Click here to view the the White House's Presidential Proclamation on National Black History Month 2024. Be sure to follow the Historic Homes of National Capital Parks-East on Social Media throughout Black History Month for interesting content! #FindYourPark #BlackHistoryMonth #NACEHistoricHomes #BlackHistory #FrederickDouglass #MaryMcLeodBethune #CarterGWoodsonFrederick Douglass NHS X/Twitter @FredDouglassNPS Instagram @FrederickDouglassNPS Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS X/Twitter @BethuneNHS Instagram @BethuneNHS Carter G. Woodson Home NHS X/Twitter @WoodsonNHS |
Last updated: January 17, 2025