The guided tour were interesting. There isn't much original furniture to see here but you will learn so much about Clara Barton's life. This place is located next to Glen Echo Park. read more

See all

I think this is a four star or four and a half (you can't give "halves"). It's steeped in very interesting history. The park ranger was awesome (09/05/25) and knew everything about her. You got a real sense of what kind of person she was, how she was not perfect like people think but how she truly believed in what she did and she lived it literally, making her home a place to take in fire/flood and natural disaster victims/war victims. She truly did care and it weighed on her. The house itself is huge. However at this time, the furnishing are mostly in storage as they are awaiting rehab on the building. You can't go upstairs. If it'd of been rehabbed and all moved back in and you could go upstairs, I think this would be a 5 star review. Right now it needs TLC. Her stuff is still there though. I wish they' d of upkept the garden it's a jungle mess back there. However, it's in a cool area to check out and a lovely drive just outside of DC. Enjoyed the visit there and the park ranger was the highlight of the trip. read more

We enjoyed a wonderful tour here at the Clara Barton house. It is located next to a nice large paved parking lot that it shares with Glen Echo Park, and there is more of a historical connection between the two than I realized until we got so much great information from the friendly ranger. The tour itself was excellent - we learned so much about Clara Barton, her life, the Red Cross and her later organization, the house itself and its connection to Glen Echo. Our favorite "fun fact" was that Clara actually had her walls and ceilings done in bandages because it was quicker and cheaper than the plaster of the time - and she put some of it up herself! It's free to tour and well worth it - it's about 30-45 minutes. The part that is a little bit of a letdown is that the house is not in great condition, and it's not even safe to access the upper levels. The furniture is put away in storage and there are only photos available to give you an idea of what each room looks like. That said, this was done because they did plan to do some renovations. Unfortunately, those renovations and improvements were scheduled for 2020, and by the time work was permitted to restart, the budget year had expired. They had to get back in line to get reapproved, and they're hoping to see that happen soon. Fingers crossed for them, because it would be great to see the building in good repair. read more

This quaint and quite lovely historic home is sadly in quite the state of disrepair and neglect. Even the grounds are barren in the winter and unkempt in the summer. Still, the stately grandeur and historical significance of this house and grounds is apparent, and it's a special honor to have this piece of history tucked into a corner of the beautiful Glen Echo Park. Worth a few minutes to stop by and just stroll around. read more

Clara Barton National Historic Site - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

See all

House is currently undergoing repairs. We were able to take a guided tour, but all of the original furniture is currently in storage while repairs are taking place. According to the tour guide it will be another few years until repairs are finalized and the furniture is moved back in. I would be nice if they put a little more into the exterior of the property as well, but I imagine the park budget may be a bit tight. I can't wait to visit this site again in a year or so once repairs are completed. read more

So much history here and the building is closed. No, not closed because it is a holiday. Closed because the building is in bad shape and I don't no if it is ever going to be fixed. I have been in that house three times, but my wife was the last person in our family to go in it as of now. I remember being a tiny kid and riding the school bus to come here and Glen Echo. If I remember correctly there were some people that were actually workers of the place. It did not sink in with me as deeply as it does now. Those people I met then are now dead. The pink house( as it is now) is rotting away. I am glad I was able to get my pictures in before the house truly becomes history. read more

See all

Was passing bye and spontaneously stopped in to visit. It is closed for renovations indefinitely. Check to see if it is open before you go. read more

I'm ashamed to say I was unaware of the existence of the Clara Barton National Historic Site right here in my own backyard, despite having lived in the area nearly two decades. Again, one of the reasons I love my job: I get invited on field trips, and this time I got to tag along with the kiddies to this fascinating little Park Services gem. This is the house where American Red Cross rock star Clara Barton spent the last 15 years of her life. She both lived here and ran the Red Cross from this enormous house -- modeled after a warehouse but looking ever so much more dressed up. The house itself was built by the Baltzley brothers, who founded the community of Glen Echo as a cultural and arts education mecca in 1890s, specifically for Clara to live in. Those Baltzleys were smart fellows, figuring if the most famous woman of her time moved into their newly established cultural colony, other residents would soon follow. Tours are incredibly informative and interesting. I knew Ms. Barton only as the founder of the American Red Cross and the Angel of the Battlefield, but walked out of the tour completely drenched in new knowledge about her, the Red Cross, and Glen Echo. The house itself is impeccably kept and a pleasure to explore, with nooks, crannies, and a "floating" bedroom, hovering over the 3-story atrium. Over 1/3 of the furnishings are original, as is the ceiling -- which Clara herself finished using the uncut cotton muslin of Red Cross bandages. I felt like an awe-struck kid again with my mouth agape as the Park Ranger filled our heads with enthralling anecdotes. Most interesting? Clara Barton had jet-black hair til the day she died of pneumonia at age 90! No lie. And photos abound on the walls of the Clara Barton House to prove it. Go here soon. read more

Clara Barton National Historic Site - From their website. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

See all

My beloved (82 year father) saw a news clip segment on WJZ of this historic site and we decided to move forward and explore the location in Glen Echo, MD Janet, the tour guide was very interactive & informative. The current physical condition of the Barton house is in need of federal grant funding to maintain & refurbish it to its former state. However, the history of one of America's greatest female humanitarian is beyond a doubt one "band aid to this national location as a first aid" We learned of a wonderful experience realizing the integral support and vision of the life & legacy of this amazing woman~ who fully evolved the American Red Cross into the non profit which engages countless lives today. read more

See all

In this day and age people are still looking for things to do on their vacation, however they may not have as much money as they use to in this economy. For the DMV Staycationers (and history buffs) - - the Clara Barton House in Glen Echo, Maryland is a GREAT place to visit for FREE and in exchange you get a glimpse into a ton of history from the past right in the DMV's backyard. To be honest I did not think this would site would be of interest to me, however the tour guide was very knowledgeable about Clara Barton as well as the Clara Barton National Historic Site. Clara Barton was the Founder of the American Red Cross and referred to as the Angel of the Battlefield. One very interesting fact for me was Ms. Barton did not like the way the ceilings looked so she lined the ceilings with bandages. I took several images to share the interior with those that might not ever get out to see this historic site as well as for those that might want to mosey on over and learn a bit of history. To find out more about the Clara Barton House please visit http://www.nps.gov/clba. read more

See all

Definitely worth a trip. This house has hourly guided tours with rangers or volunteers who will give you a nice historical overview. The house is not the most comfortable place in extreme weather and some of it is closed off as the process of restoration and preservation is ongoing. There are a lot of awkward stairs and some low ceilings. However, if you can get around that it's a great piece of history, and it's free. read more

Very cool history; house exterior is in desperate need of repairs; must return once renovations are complete and furnishings are back in display. read more

Clara Barton National Historic Site - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

I had read about Clara Barton House in an AAA magazine and thought it was worth visiting especially since it was close to home. I learned a lot about Clara Barton and the great work she did. Did you know that in her 80's she created an organization that was instrumental in putting together the first First Aid kits? While here, we toured Glen Echo Park. Make sure to check out the merry-go-round. read more

During Thanksgiving break, I went to Maryland to visit family and got a chance to visit Clara Barton National Historic Site in Oxford Rd, MD on 11/24 . The tour is free and open to the public. In terms of an intended audience, the site is meant for adults because it's about the origins of a medical organization. The site is Clara Barton's house. The overall mission of the site is to inform the visitors about Clara Barton, an American Nurse, who founded the American Red Cross. Overall, it got a 5 stars rating because it's a well maintained clean site with plenty of volunteers who will give you a nice historical overview. read more