Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site Tours
Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site
The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is temporarily closed due to a full renovation project. The Grand Reopening will take place on November 7, 2026. The site will open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm starting November 10, 2026. Please visit the park's Current Conditions web page for status.
The site preserves the office-home of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who lived here from 1922 until his death in 1950. A scholar who dedicated his life to the field of African and African American History, Dr. Woodson used the home as the national headquarters for the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Inc. (later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. or ASALH) and he established Negro History Week here in 1926 (now celebrated as Black History Month). Through his Associated Publishers, Inc. company, he also published the Association's journal and books on African and African American history from the home. During much of Dr. Woodson's life, there was very little information and a lack of knowledge concerning African American life, history, and culture. Through his extensive studies, Dr. Woodson almost single-handedly established African American historiography. Dr. Woodson's research continues to educate and inspire people everywhere by recounting the contributions of Africans and African Americans to this great nation, which in turn has impacted the world. Today, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History continues his tradition of disseminating information about Black life, history, and culture to the global community.
The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is temporarily closed due to a full renovation project. The Grand Reopening will take place on November 7, 2026. The site will open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm starting November 10, 2026. Please visit the park's Current Conditions web page for status.
The site preserves the office-home of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who lived here from 1922 until his death in 1950. A scholar who dedicated his life to the field of African and African American History, Dr. Woodson used the home as the national headquarters for the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Inc. (later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. or ASALH) and he established Negro History Week here in 1926 (now celebrated as Black History Month). Through his Associated Publishers, Inc. company, he also published the Association's journal and books on African and African American history from the home. During much of Dr. Woodson's life, there was very little information and a lack of knowledge concerning African American life, history, and culture. Through his extensive studies, Dr. Woodson almost single-handedly established African American historiography. Dr. Woodson's research continues to educate and inspire people everywhere by recounting the contributions of Africans and African Americans to this great nation, which in turn has impacted the world. Today, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History continues his tradition of disseminating information about Black life, history, and culture to the global community.
Need to Know
- Seasons and Tour Availability
Tours of the Carter G. Woodson Home NHS are available year-round. You may book reservations beginning 3 months in advance until midnight the day before the tour.
- Advance Reservation Fee
Tickets are free. However, a non-refundable $1.00 advance reservation service fee applies to each ticket.
- Reservations versus Walkup Tickets
The park strongly recommends reservations, although first-come, first-served tickets may be available at the site for individuals and groups of 10 or fewer. Reservations are required for group tours of 10 or more.
- Ticket Pickup
All visitors must pick up tour tickets in the visitor center prior to the tour.
- Arrive on Time
Tours start promptly at the specified time. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to tour time (groups at least 15 minutes prior) to allow for introduction and bathroom stops. Visitors may not join the tour after it has entered the Woodson Home.
- Groups
Reservations are required for group tours of 11 or more. Group tours are limited to a total of 60 people and will be divided into smaller groups for the tour. Groups arriving later than 15 minutes after the tour start time may forfeit their opportunity to tour the Woodson Home.
- Educational Institutions
Educational Institutions qualify for special group tour pricing and must book reservations through the Recreation.gov Group Sales Department to receive this pricing. Please call 877-559-6777 for more information. School group reservations made online through Recreation.gov do not qualify for the discounted pricing.
- Prohibited Items
Large bags and strollers are not permitted in the historic home.
Booking Windows
No specific booking information available at this time. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates on ticket releases.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds once tour starts. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1538 NINTH STREET, NW Washington DC 20001
Phone Number
771-208-1499
