Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument

Pictures courtesy of the -Neil Noland: Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument.

Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument, located in Washington, D.C., is a historic site dedicated to the women’s suffrage movement and the ongoing fight for gender equality. The monument is housed in the former headquarters of the National Woman’s Party, founded by suffragist Alice Paul, and features exhibits that highlight the significant contributions of women in American history. The building, also known as the Belmont-Paul House, has been a key site for advocacy, activism, and education about women’s rights. The monument celebrates the achievements of the suffragists who secured the right to vote for women and continues to inspire future generations in the quest for equality.

Website:	Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
Map:	Park Map
Visitor Centers:	Belmont-Paul Visitor Center: Located within the Belmont-Paul House, the Visitor Center offers a comprehensive overview of the women’s suffrage movement and Alice Paul’s role in securing women’s right to vote. Visitors can explore informative exhibits, access educational materials, and learn about the ongoing work for gender equality through multimedia presentations and guided programs.
How to get There:	From the North: To reach Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument from the north, take I-395 South towards Washington, D.C. Exit at New York Ave NW and continue south. Turn left onto 2nd St NE, and the monument will be on your right, near the intersection of 2nd St NE and Constitution Ave NW. From the South: If traveling from the south, take I-395 North towards Washington, D.C. Exit at the National Mall and proceed towards Constitution Ave NW. Continue straight and turn right onto 2nd St NE. The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is located on your left.

The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is a pivotal landmark in the history of the women’s suffrage movement. The house, originally built in 1800, became the headquarters of the National Woman’s Party in 1929 and served as a meeting place for suffragists led by Alice Paul. The National Woman’s Party was instrumental in securing the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote in the United States. Today, the site serves as a reminder of the tireless activism that shaped women’s rights in America and as an educational resource to continue the work of ensuring gender equality.

Visitors to the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument can explore several exhibits that showcase the history of the suffrage movement, including original documents, photographs, and memorabilia. One of the most significant areas is the suffragists’ meeting room, where strategy discussions and protests were organized. The house also features a collection of Alice Paul’s personal artifacts and letters, offering insight into her leadership and vision for equality. Additionally, the monument includes a small garden and outdoor spaces where visitors can reflect on the historic and ongoing struggle for women’s rights.

The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is not only a historical site but also a center for learning about the ongoing issues of gender equality. Through exhibits, programs, and events, it provides a platform for discussing the broader issues surrounding women’s rights today. The monument’s educational mission is to inspire future generations to continue advocating for social change and to honor the legacy of those who fought for women’s suffrage. The monument serves as a symbol of progress, reminding visitors that the fight for equality is ongoing, and the work begun by suffragists is still relevant today.

Points of Interest:

National Woman’s Party Headquarters: The building itself is the heart of the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. It was here that Alice Paul and her colleagues organized some of the most significant events in the suffrage movement, including the 1917 picket of the White House, which led to the arrest and imprisonment of many suffragists.

Women’s Suffrage Exhibits: Inside the monument, visitors can explore a series of exhibits focused on the history of the women’s suffrage movement. These exhibits feature historical documents, such as petitions and letters, as well as photographs that capture the suffragists’ dedication to achieving the right to vote for women.

Suffragists’ Garden: The Suffragists’ Garden at the monument is a peaceful outdoor space where visitors can reflect on the suffrage movement and the role of women in shaping the nation. The garden features plants and designs that honor the women who fought for equal rights and continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of activism.