Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site
Image credit: picture by tedeytan licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is located in the District of Columbia, specifically at 1538 9th Street, NW. It was the former residence of Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian and founder of Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month. The house serves as a tribute to Woodson's significant contributions to the study and preservation of African American history and culture.

Built in 1915, the three-story row house stands as a symbol of the accomplishments of Woodson and the African American community. It was here that Woodson lived and operated his publishing company, Associated Publishers, which specialized in works on African American history.

Today, visitors to the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site can explore the preserved rooms, providing a glimpse into the life and work of Woodson. The house features exhibits showcasing Woodson's achievements and the impact of his groundbreaking scholarship. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to learn more about Woodson's influential role in promoting the study of African American history.

Besides the Carter G. Woodson Home, the District of Columbia offers various other attractions nearby. For history enthusiasts, the nearby Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site provides insights into the life and work of civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. Additionally, the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum chronicle the experiences of African American soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War.

Moreover, visitors can explore the nearby U Street Corridor, a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich African American history and lively entertainment scene. It offers a diverse range of dining options, live music venues, and cultural hotspots, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In summary, the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site commemorates the life and legacy of Carter G. Woodson, a prominent African American historian. Located in the District of Columbia, the site offers an immersive experience for visitors to learn about Woodson's contributions to African American history. Alongside other historical attractions and the bustling U Street Corridor, this area provides ample opportunities for exploration and appreciation of African American culture in the nation's capital.

Location

The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is nestled within the heart of Washington, D.C., the bustling capital city of the United States. Situated on the 1500 block of 9th Street NW, the historic site sits in the picturesque Shaw neighborhood of the city. This vibrant and culturally rich area is renowned for its architectural grandeur, tree-lined streets, and a plethora of nearby attractions. Located just a short distance from the U Street Corridor and Howard University, the site is easily accessible through various means of transportation, including public buses, metro stations, and neatly woven into the fabric of the city's urban landscape. Its proximity to other significant landmarks and its captivating surroundings make the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking to delve into the captivating legacy of an influential African-American scholar.

Address & Contact

1538 Ninth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Driving Directions
Phone: 771-208-1499
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site would be from April to June when the temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F and the average monthly precipitation is around 4 inches. This timeframe provides pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Things to do and learn in Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Topics

Learn about these topics at Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site: Architecture and Building African American Heritage Schools and Education Women's History Social Movements Civil Rights Urban America

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks

The Visitor Center, Museum, and Reconstructed Barracks are currently open 5-days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Visitor Center provides an orientation to the events that unfolded at Camp Nelson through exhibits and a 17-minute film. The Reconstructed Barracks features the award-winning Network to Freedom and Soldiers Exhibit.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks.

Campsites within or near Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

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The Eldon Luxury Suites

A stay at The Eldon Luxury Suites places you in the heart of Washington, within a 10-minute walk of Walter E. Washington Convention Center and CityCenterDC. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage.
Address: 933 L Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Cambria Hotel Washington, D.C. Convention Center

A stay at Cambria Hotel Washington, D.C. Convention Center places you in the heart of Washington, within a 5-minute drive of Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Howard University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel features 1240 square feet (115 square meters) of event facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 899 O Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Duo Housing Hostel

With a stay at Duo Housing Hostel in Washington (Downtown Washington D.C.), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Walter E. Washington Convention Center and CityCenterDC. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage.
Address: 1223 11th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

DC International Hostel 1

A stay at DC International Hostel 1 places you in the heart of Washington, within a 15-minute walk of Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Howard University. Featured amenities include express check-out, luggage storage, and laundry facilities.
Address: 1610 7th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

DC International Hostel 2

Located in Washington (Downtown Washington D.C.), DC International Hostel 2 is within a 15-minute walk of Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Howard University. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and microwave in a common area.
Address: 1418 9TH St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center

Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center is centrally located in Washington, a 4-minute walk from Walter E. Washington Convention Center and 10 minutes by foot from Capital One Arena. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. This hotel has 12 meeting rooms available for events. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 901 L Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Residence Inn by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center

With a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center, you'll be centrally located in Washington, just a 4-minute walk from Walter E. Washington Convention Center and 8 minutes by foot from CityCenterDC. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. This hotel has 13 meeting rooms available for events. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 901 L Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

SoBe 7th Street Apartments

With a stay at SoBe 7th Street Apartments in Washington (Downtown Washington D.C.), you'll be steps from Walter E. Washington Convention Center and 11 minutes by foot from CityCenterDC. Featured amenities include a business center and laundry facilities.
Address: 1205 1/2 7th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 11753
Web: Link

BLACK SWAN - Liz DC - Executive Flat

A stay at BLACK SWAN - Liz DC - Executive Flat places you in the heart of Washington, within a 5-minute drive of Lincoln Theater and Lafayette Square.
Address: 1360 R Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20009
Web: Link

Shaw Convention Center Apartments Stays

Located in Washington (Northwest), this apartment is within a 15-minute walk of Howard University and Lincoln Theater.
Address: 750 S Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-10-10Carter G. Woodson Home NHS temporarily closed.
The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is temporarily closed due to a full renovation project. We hope to reopen to the public in 2026. Please continue to visit the website for future updates.
2024-11-25NPS invites public to celebrate the birthday of Carter G. Woodson
The National Park Service invites the public to celebrate Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s birthday and legacy during an event at Dunbar High School. The event will take place on December 14 at 2 p.m. and will follow the 2025 national theme of African Americans and Labor. More