Clara Barton National Historic Site

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From Darren Smith, About.com Guide

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Clara Barton's Home in Glen Echo, MD

Courtesy of the National Park Service

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The American Association of the Red Cross was established on May 21, 1881, and Miss Barton was elected President, a position that she held for 23 years. On August 22nd, the first local Society of the American Association of the Red Cross was organized in Dansville, New York. In June of 1889, she led the American Red Cross in its first major disaster relief effort, aiding the victims of the Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania.

Clara Barton moved into her Glen Echo home on February 28, 1897, where she directed the American Red Cross operations until she resigned as president in 1904. Miss Barton depended upon a constantly changing staff of volunteers to assist her with the sometimes overwhelming administrative duties associated with the relief organization. She died on April 12, 1912, at age 90.

Visiting the Site

The Clara Barton National Historic Site is located off MacArthur Blvd., adjacent to Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Maryland, several miles northwest of Washington, D.C. It is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The house is shown by guided tour only, which is offered on an hourly basis, from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Admission is free. For further information, call 301-492-6245.