Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

09/23/2021

Join the Friends of Lincoln Park DC for a park maintenance volunteer event on September 25th to celebrate #NationalPublicLandsDay! Volunteers will remove trash from the park, clear the debris and weeds, paint the kiosks, and replace the bubble window in the southeast playground.

*All volunteers will receive a fee-free coupon courtesy of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in recognition of their service. Each coupon will entitle the recipient and to one “fee-free” day at any participating federal recreation or visitor site within one calendar year.*

Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0c4aaaab2ea7fcc25-national.

Photo credit: neefusa.org

Join the Friends of Lincoln Park DC for a park maintenance volunteer event on September 25th to celebrate #NationalPublicLandsDay! Volunteers will remove trash from the park, clear the debris and weeds, paint the kiosks, and replace the bubble window in the southeast playground.

*All volunteers will receive a fee-free coupon courtesy of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in recognition of their service. Each coupon will entitle the recipient and to one “fee-free” day at any participating federal recreation or visitor site within one calendar year.*

Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0c4aaaab2ea7fcc25-national.

Photo credit: neefusa.org

09/22/2021

🎈🎊🎉 Happy Birthday Ranger Betty!!!!!! 🎈🎊🎉

Happy 100th to Ranger Betty Reid Soskin!

Betty Reid Soskin is the oldest active ranger in the National Park Service. Over the past decade and a half, Ranger Betty has shared her experiences as well as the efforts and sacrifices of women from diverse backgrounds living and working on the WWII home front at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Learn more about Betty’s inspiring work at: https://www.nps.gov/rori/learn/historyculture/betty-reid-soskin.htm

To mark this occasion, share your birthday messages, photos, or experiences attending one of her programs.

Want a virtual #RangerBetty100 stamp? Visit the Passport To Your National Parks website at http://ow.ly/LB3a50G2vPN

#FindYourInnerBetty #BeLikeBetty

Image: Betty Reid Soskin in front of park visitor center. NPS

09/22/2021

When #MaryMcLeodBethune was denied the opportunity to serve as a Missionary in Africa due to her race, she was disappointed, but did not give up hope. She later said: “I sent up a prayer to God to give me the light, to show me the way, that I, in turn, might show others.” Shortly after praying that prayer, she took that light and shined it on a path toward educating African American women and girls, convinced that it was their path to freedom and equality. Have you ever faced a crushing disappointment? How did you handle it? #WednesdayWords #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

When #MaryMcLeodBethune was denied the opportunity to serve as a Missionary in Africa due to her race, she was disappointed, but did not give up hope. She later said: “I sent up a prayer to God to give me the light, to show me the way, that I, in turn, might show others.” Shortly after praying that prayer, she took that light and shined it on a path toward educating African American women and girls, convinced that it was their path to freedom and equality. Have you ever faced a crushing disappointment? How did you handle it? #WednesdayWords #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

09/21/2021

It’s #TriviaTuesday! In the late 1970s, the NCNW restored the building and opened it as a museum and archives. What story do you wish to preserve? What steps have you taken to ensure that?

It’s #TriviaTuesday! In the late 1970s, the NCNW restored the building and opened it as a museum and archives. What story do you wish to preserve? What steps have you taken to ensure that?

09/20/2021

#MaryMcLeodBethune was no stranger to fighting for African Americans’ and women’s rights to vote. She once said: “Eat your bread without butter but pay your poll tax! Nobody ever told me to pay my poll tax…Do not be afraid of the Klan…Hold your head up high!” Have you ever been so passionate about a cause that you let nothing get in your way? #MondaysWithMrsBethune #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

#MaryMcLeodBethune was no stranger to fighting for African Americans’ and women’s rights to vote. She once said: “Eat your bread without butter but pay your poll tax! Nobody ever told me to pay my poll tax…Do not be afraid of the Klan…Hold your head up high!” Have you ever been so passionate about a cause that you let nothing get in your way? #MondaysWithMrsBethune #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

09/17/2021

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth. We never know when a disaster will happen and that is why even here at historic homes, we need to be ready for any disaster. Water is a major threat to a museum's collection. Leaking roofs, skylights, or water pipes, flooding or fire suppression equipment can cause serious damage. #DisastersDontWait #ParkPrep

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth. We never know when a disaster will happen and that is why even here at historic homes, we need to be ready for any disaster. Water is a major threat to a museum's collection. Leaking roofs, skylights, or water pipes, flooding or fire suppression equipment can cause serious damage. #DisastersDontWait #ParkPrep

09/15/2021

Today’s #WednesdayWords is not a quote from Mrs. Bethune, however it is a quote about her. Shortly after appointing her the Director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt told an aide: “Mrs. Bethune has her feet on the ground. Not only on the ground, but deep down in the ploughed soil.” What message do you think was conveyed by President Roosevelt when he told his aide that? #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism #FDR

Today’s #WednesdayWords is not a quote from Mrs. Bethune, however it is a quote about her. Shortly after appointing her the Director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt told an aide: “Mrs. Bethune has her feet on the ground. Not only on the ground, but deep down in the ploughed soil.” What message do you think was conveyed by President Roosevelt when he told his aide that? #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism #FDR

09/14/2021

It’s #TriviaTuesday! In 1966, the NCNW moved its headquarters from 1318 Vermont Avenue after a fire. When have you had to make an unexpected move?

It’s #TriviaTuesday! In 1966, the NCNW moved its headquarters from 1318 Vermont Avenue after a fire. When have you had to make an unexpected move?

09/13/2021

When confronted by the members of the Ku Klux Klan at her school in Daytona Beach, Florida, Mrs. Bethune once said: “If you burn this schoolhouse down, I’ll just build it up again.” Has anyone or thing tried to intimidate or bully you, but you stood your ground? #MaryMcLeodBethune #MondaysWithMrsBethune #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

When confronted by the members of the Ku Klux Klan at her school in Daytona Beach, Florida, Mrs. Bethune once said: “If you burn this schoolhouse down, I’ll just build it up again.” Has anyone or thing tried to intimidate or bully you, but you stood your ground? #MaryMcLeodBethune #MondaysWithMrsBethune #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

09/10/2021

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth. We never know when a disaster will happen and that is why even here at historic homes, we need to be ready for any disaster. Fire poses a threat to a museum's collections, although organic artifacts are particularly vulnerable. In addition, smoke from the fire possesses a particular threat, especially to porous specimens. #DisastersDontWait #ParkPrep

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth. We never know when a disaster will happen and that is why even here at historic homes, we need to be ready for any disaster. Fire poses a threat to a museum's collections, although organic artifacts are particularly vulnerable. In addition, smoke from the fire possesses a particular threat, especially to porous specimens. #DisastersDontWait #ParkPrep

09/08/2021

In July 1935, #MaryMcLeodBethune visited Chicago and was interviewed by “the Chicago Defender”, at which time she said: “Work in the South moves under handicaps. Only courage, faith, and fight keep us going.” What do you think were some of the “handicaps” that Mrs. Bethune was speaking of back then? #WednesdayWords #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

In July 1935, #MaryMcLeodBethune visited Chicago and was interviewed by “the Chicago Defender”, at which time she said: “Work in the South moves under handicaps. Only courage, faith, and fight keep us going.” What do you think were some of the “handicaps” that Mrs. Bethune was speaking of back then? #WednesdayWords #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

09/07/2021

It’s #TriviaTuesday! The Preamble for the NCNW indicates their goal is to help America achieve “a true and unfettered democracy.” Do you believe that goal has been accomplished? Why, or why not?

It’s #TriviaTuesday! The Preamble for the NCNW indicates their goal is to help America achieve “a true and unfettered democracy.” Do you believe that goal has been accomplished? Why, or why not?

09/03/2021

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth. We never know when a disaster will happen and that is why even here at historic homes, we need to be ready for any disaster. Issues such as water and fire can be interconnected and could create a problematic situation if they ever occurred. “#DisastersDontWait #ParkPrep

September is #NationalPreparednessMonth. We never know when a disaster will happen and that is why even here at historic homes, we need to be ready for any disaster. Issues such as water and fire can be interconnected and could create a problematic situation if they ever occurred. “#DisastersDontWait #ParkPrep

09/01/2021

Have you been looking for permanent employment with the National Park Service? Are you passionate about American History?

We are looking for passionate people to join our team. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates to gain permanent employment with the National Park Service.
Application process closes 09/15/2021

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/612382600

Have you been looking for permanent employment with the National Park Service? Are you passionate about American History?

We are looking for passionate people to join our team. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates to gain permanent employment with the National Park Service.
Application process closes 09/15/2021

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/612382600

09/01/2021

According to B. Joyce Ross in “The Journal of Negro History”, Mrs. Bethune—when addressing white organizations—adopted a more subdued and affable, down-home style. Typical was a speech she gave during a 1937 National Youth Administration filed trip through Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. As told by Ross, Mrs. Bethune addressed the audience saying: “You white folk have long been eating the white meat of the chicken. We Negroes are now ready for some of the white meat instead of the dark meat.” What message do you think Mrs. Bethune was trying to convey here? #MaryMcLeodBethune #WednesdayWords #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

According to B. Joyce Ross in “The Journal of Negro History”, Mrs. Bethune—when addressing white organizations—adopted a more subdued and affable, down-home style. Typical was a speech she gave during a 1937 National Youth Administration filed trip through Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. As told by Ross, Mrs. Bethune addressed the audience saying: “You white folk have long been eating the white meat of the chicken. We Negroes are now ready for some of the white meat instead of the dark meat.” What message do you think Mrs. Bethune was trying to convey here? #MaryMcLeodBethune #WednesdayWords #History #ImbibeIt #Bethunism

08/31/2021

It’s #TriviaTuesday! In 1936, Mrs. Bethune developed a partnership with Phelps Vocational School. This partnership saw 50 students learn gardening and horticulture while working on the grounds at the Frederick Douglass Home. How do you achieve two goals at once?

It’s #TriviaTuesday! In 1936, Mrs. Bethune developed a partnership with Phelps Vocational School. This partnership saw 50 students learn gardening and horticulture while working on the grounds at the Frederick Douglass Home. How do you achieve two goals at once?

08/30/2021

In an undated list of his favorite poems, Langston Hughes included Margaret Walker’s poem, “For Mary McLeod Bethune”. The poem reads: “Great Amazon of God behold your bread/Washed home again from many distant seas/The cup of life you lift contains no less/No bitterness to mock you, in its stead/So many, gone this brimming chalice fed/And broken hearted people on their knees Look up to you and suddenly they seize/On living faith and they are comforted. Believing in the people who are free/Who walk uplifted in an honest way/You look at last upon another day/That you have fought with God and man to see. Great Amazon of God behold your bread, We walk with you, and we are comforted.” Do you have a favorite poem? #MondaysWithMrsBethune #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #Poetry #LangstonHughes #MargaretWalker #IMBIBEIT

Image Credit: Central Florida Memory, Bethune-Cookman University

In an undated list of his favorite poems, Langston Hughes included Margaret Walker’s poem, “For Mary McLeod Bethune”. The poem reads: “Great Amazon of God behold your bread/Washed home again from many distant seas/The cup of life you lift contains no less/No bitterness to mock you, in its stead/So many, gone this brimming chalice fed/And broken hearted people on their knees Look up to you and suddenly they seize/On living faith and they are comforted. Believing in the people who are free/Who walk uplifted in an honest way/You look at last upon another day/That you have fought with God and man to see. Great Amazon of God behold your bread, We walk with you, and we are comforted.” Do you have a favorite poem? #MondaysWithMrsBethune #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #Poetry #LangstonHughes #MargaretWalker #IMBIBEIT

Image Credit: Central Florida Memory, Bethune-Cookman University

08/28/2021

The #MarchOnWashington for Jobs and Freedom was held 58 years ago today. Dr. #DorothyIreneHeight assisted in the planning of the march and the Council House was even used as a rallying point for organizations and individuals who attended the march. Although the male leadership did not permit Dr. Height and other women to speak at the actual event, and despite the request that the participants leave town immediately following the march, the National Council of Negro Women scheduled a debriefing in Washington for the following day. Their gathering, called “After the March, What?”, began a conversation about the treatment women received both during the march and in the larger #black #freedom #movement.

Determined to keep that conversation alive, the #NCNW held a second meeting, in November 1963, during which #PauliMurray, an NCNW stalwart, spoke about the “bitterly humiliating” experiences of the women who had played key roles in #civilrights work, only to be given token representation at the march.

Have you ever been apart of or bore witness to a watershed moment in history? #FindYourPark #ImbibeIt #History #AmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackWomensHistory

March on Washington Photos
📸 credit: The Library of Congress

Dr. Dorothy I. Height and Pauli Murray
📸 credit: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Milton Williams Archives

08/27/2021

Partners in Preserving the African American Experience

#BlackInNationalParksWeek #FindYourPark #ASALH

08/27/2021

“World peace and brotherhood are based on a common understanding of the contributions and cultures of all races and creeds”. ~ Mary McLeod Bethune What do you think about creating a world of sisterhood/brotherhood? #FeatureFriday #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #ImbibeIt

“World peace and brotherhood are based on a common understanding of the contributions and cultures of all races and creeds”. ~ Mary McLeod Bethune What do you think about creating a world of sisterhood/brotherhood? #FeatureFriday #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #ImbibeIt

08/26/2021

Who is a woman who inspires YOU? #WomensEqualityDay

08/26/2021

Today, we celebrate #WomensEqualityDay, a reminder not only of the progress #women have won through the years, but of the important work that remains to be done. #MaryMcLeodBethune #NCNW #ImbibeIt #FindYourPark #History #WomensHistory

Photo credits: NPS/NABWH

08/26/2021

When looking back on the founding of her school, Bethune-Cookman University, Mrs. Bethune fondly recalled: “I plunged into the job of creating something from nothing.... Though I hadn't a penny left, I considered cash money as the smallest part of my resources. I had faith in a living God, faith in myself, and a desire to serve.” Do you think we as a society place too much importance on money? Can you remember a time when, even without any money, you decided to keep pursuing your dream? #TBT #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #IMBIBEIT

Image Credit: Image Credit: Central Florida Memory, Bethune-Cookman University

When looking back on the founding of her school, Bethune-Cookman University, Mrs. Bethune fondly recalled: “I plunged into the job of creating something from nothing.... Though I hadn't a penny left, I considered cash money as the smallest part of my resources. I had faith in a living God, faith in myself, and a desire to serve.” Do you think we as a society place too much importance on money? Can you remember a time when, even without any money, you decided to keep pursuing your dream? #TBT #MaryMcLeodBethune #History #IMBIBEIT

Image Credit: Image Credit: Central Florida Memory, Bethune-Cookman University