"Their first view of the home was the fluttering of the United States flag from the tall flagpole above the house, and next, the Red Cross flag floating in the breeze over the central door, which was thrown hospitably open to receive the guests."

-- Stephen E. Barton, nephew of Clara Barton

Clara Barton National Historic Site commemorates the life of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. The home served as the headquarters and warehouse for the organization. From this house, Miss Barton organized American Red Cross relief efforts for victims of natural disasters and war.

"She was a remarkable person who dedicated her life and energies to help others in times of need - both home and abroad, in peacetime as well as during military emergencies. Glen Echo was her home the last [15] years of her life and this structure illustrates her dedication and concern for those less fortunate than herself."

--House Resolution 13157 presented before the 93rd Congress for the establishment of Clara Barton National Historic Site.

The site is open daily and shown by guided tour. Tours start on the hour between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. There is no admission charge.

Groups of 10 or more require reservations, call 301-492-6245.

The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day and is administered under the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

 Directions 

Plane - Glen Echo, Maryland is located near Washington, D.C. The Washington, D.C. area is serviced by three major airports: The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Car - Located off MacArthur Blvd., adjacent to Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Maryland, several miles North West of Washington, D.C. Accessible from the Capital Beltway (I-495). Local park directional sign postings located on the Clara Barton Parkway and MacArthur Blvd. Commercial vehicle and bus restrictions on approaching roadways.

Public Transportation - The Glen Echo community is serviced by the Montgomery County Transit Ride-On bus at the Glen Echo stop located on Goldsboro Road near the MacArthur Boulvard intersection. The nearest metro rail stop is the Friendship Heights Station.