Frequently Asked Question

 

What is the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument?

As America’s 432nd national park, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument is a newly established park that shares the story of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which operated from 1879 to 1918 as one of the 417 Indian boarding schools designed to force assimilation of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. The new park provides opportunities for healing and learning about this shameful chapter of American history. It's located within the US Army Carlisle Barracks, an active military installation in Pennsylvania.

Why is this site historically significant?

Opened in 1879, the site was the first federally run Indian boarding school. It represents a critical period in American history, highlighting the complex legacy of federal Indian boarding schools and their impact on Indigenous communities. It will serve as a place for education, learning, and healing.

How does the Army support the preservation of this historical site?

The Army has been preserving and maintaining the historic properties associated with the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School since 1918. It continues to manage most of the historic structures and landscape features within the national monument area.

What role does the National Park Service play at this site?

As America’s historians and storytellers, the National Park Service leads the education, interpretation, and programming for the national monument and is ultimately responsible for administering the park.

Can the public visit the national monument?

The new park is within an active military installation and access is currently restricted. The National Park Service and Army will work together over the coming years, in consultation with Tribes, to develop opportunities for National Park Service-led visitation and programming. Information on future park visitation opportunities will be available on NPS.gov.

Are there plans for expanding interpretation or facilities at the national monument?

While specific plans are still in development, both the Army and National Park Service are committed to enhancing the educational opportunities of the site. Any future developments will be carefully planned to respect both the site's historical significance and the ongoing military mission of Carlisle Barracks.

How does this national monument contribute to the Army's commitment to honoring all facets of American history?

By supporting the National Park Service’s preservation and interpretation of this site, the Army demonstrates its commitment to acknowledging and learning from all aspects of American history, including difficult chapters.

Who owns the national monument?

All 24.5 acres of Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument are in federal ownership and were previously designated as a national historic landmark, including the 23 historic structures within this boundary that will continue to be managed by the Army. One historic structure, which served as a main entrance to the boarding school campus, known as the School Road Gateposts will be administered by the National Park Service. The Army and the National Park service will work in partnership to manage this national monument.

What role will Tribes play in the interpretation?

Tribal voices are central to the story of the park. The National Park Service in coordination with the Army will work to meaningfully engage Tribal Nations during development of a management plan for the national monument. National Park Service and the Army are committed to ensuring that management decisions affecting the park and its ongoing care incorporate Tribal expertise and Indigenous Knowledge.