• Exterior of Brown v. Board of Education NHS, the former Monroe Elementary School, at night.

    Brown v. Board of Education

    National Historic Site Kansas

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  • "From Brown to Brown: Topeka's Civil Rights Story" Bus Tours Now Available

    This new bus tour maps out locations in the city linked to local and national struggles for freedom and equality. Bus tours will be available Saturday, May 25, 2013 and June 1, 2013. Click on More for complete details of the tour. More »

  • 2013 Teacher Ranger Teacher Opportunity

    During the summer of 2013, the national NPS office of history and civics is seeking a Teacher Ranger Teacher to develop lesson plans that incorporate information about the National Park Service that meet common core standards, located in Topeka, Kansas. More »

Management

National Park Service Mission Statement

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

 

Brown v. Board of Education NHS Mission Statement

Brown v. Board of Education NHS interprets, for the benefit and inspiration of present and future generations, the people, places, and events that contributed to the landmark United States Supreme Court decision that outlawed segregation in public education. Furthermore, the site interprets the integral role of the Brown case in the Civil Rights Movement, preserves the former Monroe School and cultural landscape, and assists in the interpretation of related local, national, and international resources that further the understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.

 
Brown v. Board of Education NHS Vision Statement

As a staff, we commit, individually and collectively, to:
 
  • Present an accurate and faithful interpretation of the story of the Brown case and its role in the Civil Rights Movement and contribute to the continuing dialogue on these issues.
  • Provide the opportunity for people to make emotional and intellectual connections with the Brown story and the Civil Rights Movement through site visitation and outreach programs.
  • Work together in a spirit of cooperation that embodies the National Park Service's Core Values (Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Shared Stewardship, and Tradition) in our daily activities and interactions.
  • Practice the highest standards of public service, public safety, and be diligent stewards of the resources that are entrusted to us.
  • Partner with those who effectively contribute to and share in our mission and vision.
 
Cover of the long-range interpretive plan, featuring an image of visitors listening to a park ranger's presentation in front of the site.

Long-Range Interpretive Plan
A long-range interpretive plan allows a park to reach out and reevaluate the work we do as interpreters and to suggest ways of improving how we connect with the public. The strength of a park lies in how well its staff hears and addresses the concerns of those who advocate for a park, for those who rely on it as a tool in reaching new audiences, and for those who live adjacent to the park and see it as an integral part of their community.

Long-Range Interpretive Plan (PDF, 33.6MB)

Did You Know?

NAACP Lawyers

The national strategy to use the courts to challenge segregation in public education began with the NAACP under the leadership of attorney Charles Hamilton Houston in the 1930’s.--Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site More...