Special Use Permits
The National Park Service may require a special use permit for certain activities to occur on park property. These include organized gatherings like weddings or church services, public assemblies and demonstrations, special events and some commercial activities. A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:
- provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
- requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
- is not prohibited by law or regulation;
- is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.
Please note that while a special park use may meet the above criteria, not all activities are approved based on park specific resources, visitation, and potential impact.
How do I get a permit?
Permit applications must be submitted to the Special Use Permit Coordinator a minimum of three weeks prior to the expected event date. Please download the Special Use Permit Application (PDF) and e-mail the completed form to brittany_lane@nps.gov.
For First Amendment related activities with groups over 25 people, please fill out this form and send to the email address above.
Contact us to request a hard copy application or to receive more information about permits. For questions call (315) 568-0024.
The term “demonstrations” includes demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park has one designated location where individuals or groups may exercise their First Amendment (FA) rights through demonstrations. This designated area is located outdoors in the lawn between the Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and Parsonage at 47-49 Parker Street.This FA location will only accommodate one group at a time. A non-fee permit is required for groups over 25 people, to reserve a FA location or if the National Park Service deems further management of the activity is necessary to protect park resources or visitors.
Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park areas, provided that:
- The location can accommodate the group size. If a different location is requested because of activity or group size, a permit is required;
- The group is not an extension of another group already demonstrating in another area of the park;
- They will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities; site use is granted on a first come-first serve basis with preference given to the permit holder;
- Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.
If you do not meet the criteria that would require a permit, you are welcome to demonstrate in a designated location.
Special events or assemblies (including weddings) may be permitted in certain areas of Harriet Tubman NHP (HART) depending on location, group size, and the time of year or day.
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HART does not permit exclusive use of any area, and there will be normal visitor activity during your event.
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Site use is on a first-requested, first-served basis. If the location requested has already been booked or is unavailable, permittee will be contacted to discuss an alternative location or preferred date.
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The event permit does not override current closures. If we know about the closure in advance, we will contact the permit holder.
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Paid photographers must contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator for additional guidance and requirements.
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The use of amplified music, microphones, or speakers must be approved with the permit application.
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Food may not be consumed inside park buildings.
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Decorations (e.g. balloons, archways) or directional signage are prohibited.
The sale or distribution of non-commercial printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items without asking for or demanding payment or donation, is allowed within the park if it occurs in designated areas.
Still photographers require a permit when the activity:
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takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed.
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the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities. *A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models.
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with use of large or unusual equipment, even for non-commercial purposes, if activities warrant oversight by park staff.
The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:
All commercial filming that occurs in national parks requires a permit.
"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.
The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge for commercial filming permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following commercial filming fee schedule:
The National Park Service requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks, usually in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization.
What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?
Public Law 105-391, Section 418, which was signed in 1998, provides for the issuance of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide suitable commercial services for park area visitors. Commercial activities are generally prohibited in National Parks unless authorized by a CUA or concessions contract.
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