Park History Program
National Park Service History
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Early park rangers and supporters of |
Today, approximately 60% of the 425 park units administered by the National Park Service have been set aside as symbols and evidence of our history and prehistory. Many of our natural parks contain historic places that represent important aspects of that history. Collectively, these places present an American history textbook, a textbook that educates us about the people, events, buildings, objects, landscapes, and artifacts of the American past. The Park History Program's web site represents varying aspects of this history. It emphasizes the educational value of historic places and the importance of the stories that connect us to them. Our goal is to offer a window into the historical richness of the National Park Service. It also allows us to examine our past—the contested along with the comfortable, the complex along with the simple, the controversial along with the inspirational. We hope, in addition, that these pages will contribute to a national discussion of history and its importance to contemporary society.
Links
- Administrative History Studies and Guide for the National Park Service
National Park Service administrative histories look at the history of National Park units and the National Park Service as public programs and a public trust. They analyze individual parks and their establishment and administration, as well as National Park Service programs and policies.
* Please also visit our Administrative History Program webpage on the new Park History Program website.
- History of the National Park Service
A collection of essays and online books concerning different aspects of the history of the National Park Service
* Please also visit our History of the National Park Service webpage on the new Park History Program website.
- Classic National Park Service Publication Series
Links to older publications and series, many now out-of-print, on a variety of subjects that tell the stories of our parks, resources, and the National park Service.
* Please also visit our Classic National Park Service Publications Series webpage on the new Park History Program website.
- Federal Historic Preservation Laws, Regulations, and Orders
- National Park Service National Archives Records and Finding Aids
Links to th record groups and finding aids in the National Archives that pertain to the National Park Service.
- Useful Books
Our list of recommended books pertaining to the History of the National Parks and National Park Service