Clara Barton National Historic Site
Clara Barton's Glen Echo home is a reflection of her dedication of serving the needs of others. You can view the virtual tour, but nothing compares to actually visiting the home. Guided tours blend the incredible stories of her courage during the Civil War to her achievements with the American Red Cross within the settings she worked and lived in between 1897 and 1912.
The United States National Historic Site protects 9 acres of land at her Glen Echo home including the 38-room former residence of Barton. The site is managed by the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The first national historic site dedicated to the accomplishments of a woman, it preserves the early history of the American Red Cross and the last home of its founder.
The National Park Service has restored eleven rooms, including the Red Cross offices, parlors and Clara Barton's bedroom. Visitors to Clara Barton National Historic Site can gain a sense of how Barton lived and worked surrounded by all that went into her life's work. Visitors to the site are led through the three levels on a guided tour emphasizing Barton's use of her unusual home.
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Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
Tours start on the hour and will be offered for the general public on:
- Saturdays at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Sundays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Tours for groups may be scheduled in advance for Wednesdays or Thursdays.
NOTICE: As of 3.17 Clara Barton National Historic Site is still closed for Construction. Check www.nps.gov/clba or call 301-320-1400 for updates.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Free admission
Activities
The house is shown by guided tour.
History
Clara Barton dedicated her life and energies to help others in times of need - both home and abroad, in peacetime as well as during military emergencies. Glen Echo was her home the last 15 years of her life and the structure illustrates her dedication and concern for those less fortunate than herself.
Clara Barton is probably the most famous American nurse who was never a real nurse. She cared for wounded soldiers in the Civil War and as President of the American Red Cross she organized over 18 relief efforts, but she was a former school teacher and government clerk.
