Virginia

Carter G. Woodson's DC Home Open for Black History Month

For the first time, the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site is opening its doors to the public for Black History Month, the National Park Service (NPS) says.

The 140-year-old home, which is located in the Shaw neighborhood, was recently reopened after years of renovations, according to the NPS. During the month of February, visitors can take guided tours of the home, learn how to organize their family histories or take a walking tour through Shaw. 

Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson was one of the first scholars of African-American history and is the second African American to hold a doctorate from Harvard University, according to the National Park Service. 

Born to former slaves in 1875, Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926. He picked the month of February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. 

The week was extended to a month in 1976. 

Woodson's home will be open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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