Dr. Carter G. Woodson: The Father of African American History

Before Dr. Carter G. Woodson, there was very little accurate written history about the lives and experiences of Americans of African descent. Today a National Historic Site, Dr. Woodson’s home served as the headquarters for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Dr. Woodson established Negro History Week here in 1926, which we celebrate today as Black History Month.

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Duration:
5 minutes, 23 seconds

Three national parks in Washington, DC, celebrate the contributions of three of the most influential Americans of all time - Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The NPS is working to preserve their homes so they can be enjoyed today and by future generations.

A portrait of Dr. Woodson from 1925
"The High Priest of Negro History"

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was the leading historian-scholar-activist during the Jim Crow era. Learn more about him here...

Virtual Tour of the Woodson Home
Virtual Tour of the Woodson Home

View a video featuring a ranger-led tour of the home and office of Dr. Woodson.

Learn About the National Historic Site
If These Walls Could Talk

Learn more about Dr. Woodson's "office-home" where he institutionalized the study of African and African American History.

Image of an old flyer about Negro History Week depicting three figures.
Why February?

View a video that explains why Dr. Woodson selected February for the observance of "Negro History Week", now known as "Black History Month".

Park partners gathered out front of the historic site.
News

Learn about all things related to the Woodson Home, events, public programming, and more...

Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions

Explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area

Last updated: May 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

National Capital Parks-East
1900 Anacostia Drive SE

Washington, DC 20020

Phone:

(202) 690-5185
The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is a part of the portfolio of parkland and historic sites of National Capital Parks-East.

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