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.
2020 Themes
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 international athletes gather in Tokyo, how do you explore the joy of sport, spirit of competition, and fair play in your favorite park?
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.
2019 Themes
January: Recreation Resolutions for the New Year
A new year brings new goals and challenges to conquer. How does the National the Park Service provide recreational opportunities within parks and in communities to tackle our New Year’s resolutions? What’s your recreation resolution?
February: African American History Month
Preserved within parks and in neighborhoods throughout the country through NPS programs, African American history is an essential part of the American narrative. What stories can we share about the African American experience and contributions to our country?
March: Women’s History Month
Women have long been visionaries, changing the course of history. What are some of the contributions and achievements of women that are captured by parks and programs?
April: We’re on a Mission!
As we celebrate National Park Week and move further into our second century, in what ways can we demonstrate our core mission to preserve the nation’s special natural and cultural heritage for future generations while continuing to help everyone Find Your Park?
May: Undiscovered Stories
During this month of celebrations of history and culture, including Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Preservation Month, and the 100th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad, what stories surprise or inspire?
June: Moments of Change
From commemorating great moments in history to celebrating the great outdoors and the summer solstice, what moments of change shape our history and our natural world? As part of this theme, we'll focus on two special initiatives: Great Outdoors Month and the upcoming 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
July: All Americans’ Stories
As we celebrate the nation’s birthday, it’s time to reflect on who we are. How do parks and programs share our nation’s uniquely diverse identity and the story of our journey into what we’ve become?
August: Picturing Yourself in a Park
Whether visitors or staff, we all see ourselves in different roles when we come to parks—as photographers, hikers, learners, and much more. How can we picture ourselves in our parks and public lands?
September: National Parks in Your Neighborhood
A national park experience may be found close to many communities. And the National Park Service works with communities across the nation to promote outdoor recreation and historic preservation. How is the National Park Service a neighbor engaged with communities across the country?
September 15-October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
How do parks and programs share the achievements, contributions, and cultural celebrations of Latino/a and Hispanic Americans? Shared between two months, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions, achievements, and histories of Latino/a and Hispanic Americans. We can share the diverse and rich cultural history and heritage preserved within parks and through our programs and partners.
October: Arts in Parks
Whether shaped by nature or preserving the legacy of people (or both!), parks are works of art that in turn inspire artists. How can people find their muse in parks and public lands?
November: Native American Heritage Month
Celebrating American Indians and Native Alaskan and Hawaiian peoples, what history and heritage are shared within your parks or preserved through programs and partnerships?
Honoring our Veterans
In November, we’ll also focus on our efforts to work with and honor the sacrifices of veterans through a special mini-campaign.
December: Give the Gift of Parks
‘Tis the season of giving, and what better gift than a park? How do people’s contributions to our parks and public lands provide rewarding experiences for others or themselves?
From National Park getaway ideas to special commemorations and topical content, there are lots of other great story ideas across the National Park Service.
Last updated: January 3, 2020