Women's History in the National Parks

If you have ever donated blood to the American Red Cross, you have Clara Barton to thank. Barton moved to Glen Echo, MD in 1897 and her home actually served as the organization's headquarters from 1897-1904, as well as a place to store disaster relief supplies. The home was established as a national historic site in 1975 and is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

President Harry Truman once described Eleanor Roosevelt as "the First Lady of the World" and she lived up to the title. Following the death of her husband in 1945, Mrs. Roosevelt spent much of her life promoting humanitarian causes. Her home, Val-Kill Cottage, was once a factory but Mrs. Roosevelt turned it into a place to retreat. Visitors will not only learn much about her work, but may also tour the furnished home, watch films, and partake in guided programs. 

Few realize that a woman by the name of Marjory Stoneman Douglas helped protect and preserve the Everglades. In her book, Everglades: River of Grass, Douglas writes of the ongoing threats that could potentially destroy the Everglades. The book was published in 1947 but continues to deliver an important message. She worked tirelessly to protect the land and it paid off that same year when the Everglades were established as a national park.

Located in Canton, OH, this national historic site preserves the role and history of First Ladies as well as other notable women in American history. It's composed of two properties - the home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley and the seven-story 1895 City National Bank Building. Tours are given by costumed workers and exhibits highlight the McKinley's story as well as other belongings of United States First Ladies. Learn how these important women played a supporting role in the lives of our Presidents.

Known as the Great Flood of 1889 occurred that year on May 31. The South Fork Dam in Johnstown, PA failed killing over 2,200 people and causing millions of dollars in damage. It was the first major disaster relief effort handled by Clara Barton and the American Red Cross. Barton and the Red Cross played a huge role in re-establishing the area and visitors can learn her work as well as the untold stories of all who worked hard to rebuild their lives and their city.

America's Industrial Revolution is commemorated in downtown Lowell, MA. During the early 19th century, job opportunities for women were quite limited. But Lowell actually called for young women between the ages of 15 and 35 to work. Women from Maine to Vermont came by horse, carriage, or foot for the chance to work at something new. This park celebrates the social change that lead to job equality.

Maggie L. Walker was a prominent African-American woman who served as a devoted community leader and as an early advocate for African American women's rights. Despite adversities, Walker became the first woman in the United States to found and serve as president of a bank. The historic site, located in Richmond, VA, includes the Walker family residence where Maggie lived during the last thirty years of her life (1904-1934).

From 1943 to 1966, a 19th century townhouse served as headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women in Washington, D.C. The council was founded by educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune who became a leader in black women's rights movements. She is also the founder of Bethune-Cookman College in Florida. Tours are available as well as volunteer leadership opportunities for students.

Since 1929, the house has served as headquarters for the National Woman's Party, founded by Alice Paul, one of the most important women in the fight for a woman's right to vote. Today, the house is open to the public for tours and educational programs.

Visitors to Rochester, NY are encouraged to tour the home and political headquarters of Susan B. Anthony, one of the women's rights movement's most prominent leaders. It was here, where Anthony was arrested after illegally casting a ballot in the 1872 Presidential election. Her home is open year-round for tours and interpretive programs.