Mary McLeod Bethune, Birthplace and Park

Title

Mary McLeod Bethune, Birthplace and Park

Creator

The Lee Section, National Council of Negro Women

Contributor

Bysterbusch, Hailey

Biographical Text

The 9 acre park is located on the property of Bethune’s birthplace in Mayesville, South Carolina. On the property is a replica cabin of Bethune’s birthplace.
Bethune’s birthplace was first purchased by the Lee Section of the National Council of Negro Women in 1985. In 1987, the ground was broken and the construction of a park and memorial began. Various fundraising efforts, such as a brick sale in 1992, were utilized to raise funds to build the entrance to the park and maintain the property.
Today, the park is still maintained by the Lee County Section, National Council of Negro Women and is accessible to the public. Guided tours are also given.

Text

[On Gate]
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

[On Plaque]
Birth Place
of
Mary McLeod Bethune
July 10, 1875 - May 17, 1955
Founder and President
of
Bethune and Cookman College
Daytona Beach, Florida
1904 - 1942
Founder and President
National Council of Negro Women
Advisor to Four United States Presidents:
Calvin Coolidge
Herbert Hoover
Franklin Roosevelt
Harry S. Truman
Director of National Youth Administration
Representative to the Organization Meeting
of the United Nations in 1945
Educator
Humanitarian
Founder
Organizer
Civil Rights Activist
Daughter of Sam and Patsy McLeod

Date Created

1987

Type

English Signage

Bibliographic Citation

Birth Place of Mary McLeod Bethune, The Historical Marker Database

Notable Places, Lee County, South Carolina

"Ground breaking." The Item, July 22, 1987.

"Lee." Florence Morning News, June 26, 1992.