The Park History Program was started in 1931 and is managed by the Chief Historian of the National Park Service. It administers multiple program areas, conducts historic research, and supports National Park Service staff in all matters relating to the Service's history and mission.

Administrative History Program
Provides guidance to parks and programs writing new administrative histories or updating existing administrative histories.

African American Civil Rights Network
Commemorates, honors, and interprets the history of the African American Civil Rights movement.

American World War II Heritage City
Honors the contributions of local towns, cities, counties and their citizens who stepped into the workforce to support America's war effort.

Classic NPS Publications Series
Handbooks and proceedings intended to provide educational and interpretive information about park units, themes, and specific topics.

Historic Resource Studies
Reports that provide an historical overview of a park unit or region and also identify and evaluate their historic resources.

History of the National Park Service
A collection of digital resources to aid in research and offer insights into the history and growth of the National Park Service.

Maritime Heritage Program
Documents and protects historic maritime resources. Administers National Maritime Heritage Grants and Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

National Historic Lighthouse Program
Allows historic light stations to be transferred at no cost to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofits, and others.

Oral History Program
Uses in-depth interviews to document the history of the National Park Service. Provides guidance and help to park units and programs.

Park National Register Documentation
Supports National Parks in the documentation and listing of park units and park resources to the National Register of Historic Places.

Special History Studies
Studies that focus on specific historic topics or themes. Meant to help parks with interpretation, education, and resource identification.

America 250
A multiyear effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States of America.
Last updated: March 3, 2023