Each year, the National Park Service organizes a series of servicewide messaging themes to highlight the depth and breadth of the more than 400 parks and dozens of NPS programs at work in communities across the United States. National in scope, the themes are designed to engage parks, NPS programs, partners, and the public across the country in shared messages illustrated by the remarkable places and stories in our care. The themes are mostly organized by month, but we often have campaigns around special moments each year.
From National Park getaway ideas to special commemorations and topical content, there are lots of other great story ideas across the National Park Service.
January: Envisioning Your 20/20 Park Experience
A new year means new goals and adventures to embark upon. In 2020, how will you find your perfect vision of a park experience?
February: Commemorating 400 Years of African American History
The first enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America were brought to Virginia more than 400 years ago. Despite constant adversity throughout American history, African American culture and heritage strengthened each generation.
March: Exploring Women's Civic Engagement in American History
In this centennial year of the 19th Amendment, let's explore stories of how women of all cultures, backgrounds, and traditions have engaged in civic life throughout American history and earlier.
April: Earth Day's 50th Anniversary
During National Park Week and all month long, let's celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with citizen science events, volunteer activities, and programs that cultivate environmental stewards for the next 50 years.
May: Asian American Heritage Month
Throughout this month, we will commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, paying tribute to the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who impacted our nation's history—and who were impacted by it.
June: Map Your Journey
Where will your map take you? Plan a park visit, explore migration routes (both human and fauna!), follow a new trail or parkway, or map your own personal journey in parks.
July: Sporting in Parks
As summer is in full swing, how can people recreate responsibly in your park and in their own communities through NPS programs and partnerships?
August: Looking Beyond the 19th Amendment
August 26 is the centennial of the 19th Amendment prohibiting disenfranchisement on the basis of gender. But there was more work to be done to ensure that all American women—and men—had and could exercise the right to vote.
September: Hispanic Heritage Month
How do parks and programs honor and share the achievements, contributions, and cultural celebrations of Latinos and Hispanics?
October: Telling Stories Around the Campfire...and in Other Park Places
The National Park Service is America's storyteller. With so many stories in parks and our communities, there are endless possibilities for creative expression.
November: Native American Heritage Month
For Native American Heritage Month, we will explore the heritage, culture, and experience of indigenous peoples both historically and in American life today.
December: Finding Peace in Parks
Many people find peace in remarkable places. As winter settles in and many of us dream about hibernating, let's explore how parks can be places of healing, inspiration, and peace.
Last updated: May 13, 2020