Considered the father of black history, Carter Woodson is best remembered for creating African American History Month and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The organization had its offices in his home. The influential publications, Negro History Bulletin and the Journal of Negro History were also published on site. The authors Victor Daly and Langston Hughes worked for the Association. A grant from the Association supported the anthropological work of Zora Neale Hurston. Woodson also taught in local public school and later at Howard University.
Woodson lived at this address from 1915 till his death in 1950. A park, museum and numerous educational institutions around the country bear his name. His home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 for its national significance in African American cultural heritage. In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed the site on its list of “11 Most Endangered” historic properties, after which time, major renovations were made. By congressional act the house became part of the National Park Service in 2003.
The Homes
1538 9th St., NW, Washington, DC
This house has only ever housed one single resident. Woodson lived and worked in this three-story Victorian rowhouse from the time it was built until his death in 1950, after which time it remained the headquarters of the Association of Negro Life and History until the early 1970s. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, it was acquired by the National Park Service in 2003. It now operates as a museum.
Carter G. Woodson
1538 9th St., NW
Located in Shaw/Logan Circle neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek