Mary McLeod Bethune Statue and Birthplace
Mary McLeod was one of the most influential civil rights leaders, political activists, and educators in all of Florida’s history, perhaps even one of the most influential in all of the United States. Known as the ‘First Lady of Negro America’, Bethune rose from the daughter of enslaved parents with the passion and potential to change the face of America. Over time Bethune became an educator, University founder, and voice of several who didn’t think they had one, forever leaving her mark on Daytona Beach, Florida, and the U.S in general.
The Mary McLeod Bethune Home is located within Bethune-Cookman University Campus, a local school founded here in 1925, only about 12 years after Bethune moved into the home. Today the home serves as ‘a place to awaken people and to have them realize that there is something in the world they can do’, an inspiring and insightful Daytona beach spot that sees just over 1,000 guests each year.
Strolling through the home you and your group will be able to observe various personal artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia documenting Bethune’s most famous visitors such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Langston Hughes, Jackie Robinson, and Ralph Bunche. You can get a more in-depth explanation of the woman and her many life accomplishments with a guided tour, tours offered weekdays 10 am to 3 pm and by appointment on Saturdays.
