Clara Barton National Historic Site — Attraction in Glen Echo

The Clara Barton National Historic Site is a delightful gem, made more delightful by the Park Service guide. The house tour begins with the history of Glen Echo MD, followed by foundation of the American Red Cross, and finally Clara Barton who started the American Red Cross and lived in the historic house. The building served as home, Red Cross headquarters and warehouse. Under renovation, none of the furniture is in place, but photos provide visitors an idea of how everything looked. The history was richly detailed and covered multiple layers of Clara Barton's humanity. The guide answered questions thoughtfully, and, without editorializing, often drew parallels to present day issues. Without his presentation the building would have been a lifeless shell, but he energetically described its occupants and significance to the extent we could imagine conversations and visitors and the busy hum of life. We walked away filled with new respect for a remarkable American, a conscientious humanitarian, and a woman ahead...

Another home run by the National Park Service. This locale shares parking with Glen Echo - so there is a great deal. This is Barton’s house that she had built to her specifications - it’s built as a place that could respond to disaster relief. Way more closets than any human being would ever want or desire, natural light in a hall way with multiple apts in that hallway. Here you learn of a story of a beautiful heart who was thrust into the limelight because she was a doer, not just a talker. Her work with the Red Cross, something she brought here along with the Geneva Convention, the field hospitals, civil rights, and the missing soldiers bureau - these all happened because of her! And she did it all without ever having the fundamental right to vote!!! This place is operated with a skeleton crew, and it’s by guided tour only. Attaching a photo of your tour times - make sure to check the website before you come out, as they are doing major...

Clara Barton National Historic Site is the first sight dedicated to a woman! A pioneer for the American Red Cross, Clara Barton was an amazing woman with a lot of tenacity. While this house is a bit run down and all personal belongings have been temporarily removed, I still think it should make your list of places to visit. The house alone has an amazing story, and the park rangers are a wealth of knowledge. Clara Barton contributed so much, and yet most people only know her for the American Red Cross. It is also worth noting that this historical sight is part of the Great American Outdoors Act! This historical sight has received funding for conservation. Hopefully, once this is complete, Ms. Bartons personal effects will be moved back into her home, and the 2nd and 3rd floors open to the public. I know I will be back to see this house in all its glory. Check the web for tour times! This site is...