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Adams National Historical ParkWoodshed on the grounds of the Old House
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Adams National Historical Park
Centennial Initiative 2016
The Old House

The Old House at Peace field

Centennial Vision
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, America invites the world to discover the meaning of national parks to their lives and inspires people to both experience and become devoted to these special places.


On the August 25, 2006 – the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne the National Park Centennial Initiative to prepare national parks for another century of conservation, preservation and enjoyment. Since then the National Park Service asked citizens, park partners and experts and other stakeholders what they envisioned for a second century of national parks.

A nationwide series of more than 40 listening sessions produced more than 6,000 comments that helped to shape five centennial goals. The goals and vision were presented to President Bush and to the American people on May 31st in a report called The Future of America’s National Parks.

Every national park staff took their lead from this report and created local centennial strategies to describe their vision and desired accomplishments by 2016. This is just the first year, and there are many great things to come as the National Park Service prepares to celebrate 100 years!

To keep up with the Centennial Initiative and to experience the interactive version of The Future of America’s National Parks  and special features please visit the centennial website at www.nps.gov/2016.

Centennial Strategy

World War I recruiting poster for the Coastal Artillery Corps.  

Did You Know?
All of Gateway NRA's units include sites that defended New York Harbor from attacks from the sea, from the Revolutionary War through World War II? They are Fort Hancock, Fort Tilden, and Fort Wadsworth. Learn about the history of coastal defense by visiting any of these sites.

Last Updated: September 21, 2009 at 14:32 EST