Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

On Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is a historic house and small museum devoted to the women’s suffrage movement and the wider fight for equal rights. The National Woman’s Party made the house its headquarters in 1929; Alice Paul and other activists worked here to advance women’s equality. Inside, exhibits and a library explore that history, and a ranger tour adds context. Admission is free. The entrance can be easy to miss, so check your route before setting out.

A house turned into a movement headquarters

The house on Constitution Avenue dates to 1799 and stood through major changes on Capitol Hill, including the construction of the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court. Its early residents took part in the formation of Congress.

In 1929, the National Woman’s Party bought the house. The group, founded by Alice Paul, made it a base for organizing and feminist education. Alva Belmont helped fund the purchase, and both women are commemorated in the monument’s name. For decades, the building was closely tied to the campaign for women’s rights in the United States.

Inside the museum

Exhibits and a library tell the story of the suffrage movement and the National Woman’s Party’s work for equal rights. The house is compact, with displays that make use of its historic rooms. The collection includes political cartoons by Nina Allender, an artist and suffragist whose work is among the museum’s highlights.

Activists at the house developed strategies to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment as well as women’s right to vote. A ranger-led tour offers more context on the people and events connected to the building. The tour has been listed at 2 pm and takes about 40 minutes; check current details before your visit.