Overview:
The Clara Barton National Historic Site commemorates the life of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. The house in Glen Echo, Maryland, served as her home, headquarters for the American Red Cross, and as a warehouse for disaster relief supplies. It was here where Barton organized and directed relief efforts from 1897 until 1904.
History:
The Clara Barton National Historic Site was established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1975 and is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
When to Visit:
The park is open daily, all year except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The house is shown by guided tour only which start on the hour: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12 Noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Getting There:
Clara Barton National Historic Site is located at 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812 off of MacArthur Boulevard adjacent to Glen Echo Park. The following are driving directions from Virgina, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
From VA: Follow I-495 (West and North) toward Rockville, MD. Cross the Potomac River on the American Legion Bridge and take the first exit, exit 41, at the Maryland end of the bridge.
Bearing right, follow the signs reading "Clara Barton Parkway - East", "Glen Echo" and "Clara Barton National Historic Site". Follow the Clara Barton Parkway 1.5 miles then take the Cabin John exit. At the top of the exit, turn left at the stop sign. Go to the intersection at MacArthur Boulevard and turn right at the stop sign onto MacArthur Boulevard. Cross the one lane bridge and after about a half of mile you will see a large sign that reads "Glen Echo Park - Clara Barton National Historic Site". Turn right onto Oxford Road. At the end of the road, on your left will be a small parking lot, with a larger parking lot down the hill. Turn left and park in the small lot. Clara Barton National Historic Site is the large yellow house on the hill overlooking the main parking lot.
From MD: Follow I-495 (West and South) toward Northern Virginia. Take exit 40, "Cabin John Parkway" and Glen Echo. The Cabin John Parkway merges with the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow the signs which read "Glen Echo and MacArthur Boulevard". Take the right exit up the ramp to MacArthur Boulevard. Turn left at the 3-way stop sign. Oxford Road is on your left approximately 1/2 mile down MacArthur Boulevard. Turn left onto Oxford Road. At the end of the road, on your left will be a small parking lot, with a larger parking lot down the hill. Turn left and park in the small lot. Clara Barton National Historic Site is the large yellow house on the hill overlooking the main parking lot.
From Washington, D.C.: From Georgetown, use Canal Road to the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow the signs which say "Glen Echo and MacArthur Boulevard". Turn left at the 3-way stop sign at the top of the ramp leading to MacArthur Boulevard. Turn left onto Oxford Road. At the end of the road, on your left will be a small parking lot, with a larger parking lot down the hill. Turn left and park in the small lot. Clara Barton National Historic Site is the large yellow house on the hill overlooking the main parking lot.
Fees/Permits:
There is no admission charge to visit Clara Barton National Historic Site. Parking is also free. However, reservations are required for groups of 10 or more people. Call the site to schedule a group reservation at (301) 320-1410.
Things to Do:
Tour the home: The guided tour is the only way to visit the Clara Barton’s home. Remember if you are visiting in a group of 10 more more, call for a reservation.
Junior Ranger Camp: History will come alive for children ages 8-13 during an exciting two-day camp with fun-filled learning activities related to the history of Glen Echo Park and Clara Barton's life. Campers will gain an understanding of the National Park Service mission and the national significance of both sites.
Junior Ranger Program: Pick up a Junior Ranger Program book at the beginning of your tour, complete activities in the book during your site visit and earn a Junior Ranger Badge!
Online virtual tour: Visit Clara Barton National Historic Site from your computer. You can take a virtual tour of all three levels and explore 12 restored rooms, the main hallway, the second floor hallway and a storage closet.
Accommodations:
There are no accommodations on site. You will need to find a hotel in town if you plan to stay.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park:
Glen Echo Park: Established in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly (liberal arts center), this site later became the area's premier amusement park until 1968.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park: Follows route of the 184-mile canal along the Potomac River between Washington, DC and Cumberland, MD. Canal served as a transportation route from 1828-1924.
Fort Foote Park: Fort Foote constructed on Rozier's Bluff to strengthen the ring of fortifications that encircled Washington, D.C. Fort Foote helped protect Washington, D.C. with the thunderous powerful guns of its time.
