Washington, D.C. – The Carter G. Woodson Home, a National Historic Site in the city’s Shaw neighborhood, will welcome the public again on Nov. 7 after twenty years of renovation and roughly $14.2 million of federal investment. The reopening comes at a time when the nation’s understanding of African‑American contributions faces renewed challenges.
Why the site matters
In 1926, Dr. Woodson launched Negro History Week at this very address, 1538 9th Street NW, a program that later grew into today’s Black History Month. For 28 years the house served as both his family residence and the headquarters of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization he founded in 1915.
“I could not think of a more important site that needs to be open at this moment in history,” said Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, president of ASALH. “Black history is under attack. What do we do? We stand up and we fight.”
Renovation and preservation
The National Park Service purchased the property in 2005 and began a comprehensive restoration in 2006, preserving original hardwood floors, Woodson’s desk, and his personal library. Supervisory ranger John Fowler, who has worked for the Park Service for 16 years, noted, “To see it at this point is wonderful. I’m just excited that more people will get to learn about Dr. Woodson and the ongoing work of ASALH.”
What visitors can expect
Guided tours will showcase Woodson’s multiple offices, the publishing area where his books were prepared, and the bedroom where he passed away in 1950. Museum exhibits will engage visitors of all ages in the scholarship of Black history, emphasizing Woodson’s belief that “Black history is American history.”
The grand reopening will feature free Saturday programming, including walking tours of the Shaw neighborhood, hands‑on activities for children, and live music. Tickets will be distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis at Shiloh Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community call to action
Both Fowler and Wise Whitehead urged local residents to visit the home and support the ongoing mission of preserving America’s full story. “Unfortunately we’re living in times where this work can be difficult to do, but with the help of ASALH and other partners we can make this happen,” Fowler said. “Just go out and bring the people in.”
Wise Whitehead added, “If you stand in a place where genius was created, you can stand in a place where a fight really originated. Take a piece of that mantle with you.”
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
