First Amendment Activities at Steamtown NHS

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

FIRST AMENDMENT ACTIVITIES

AT

STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

“Congress shall make no law respecting religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

First Amendment to the United States Constitution (Bill of Rights)

We encourage citizens to exercise rights guaranteed by the Constitution on Park System land. The courts, however, have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect the public and park resources. Therefore, all First Amendment activities require Special Use Permits, and the National Park Service may regulate the time, location, number of participants, use of the facilities, and number and type of equipment used, but not the content of the message presented. Some examples requiring permits are:

- Distribution and/or sale of printed matter

- Religious services

- Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.

- Collecting signatures for petitions

While there is no fee for a permit to exercise a First Amendment activity, a Special Use Permit is still required and those without a permit will be asked to leave.

To apply for a permit, using the link provided, print out and complete the application (NPS Form 10-930). Your completed form should then be submitted to the Park, per the instructions on the last page of the application, allowing sufficient time for evaluation by the Park staff before the start date of your activity in the Park. Please note that the form submitted is an application only, and does not serve as permission to conduct the event. The applicant will be notified of the Superintendent’s approval or denial of a First Amendment permit request within two (2) business days after receiving a proper application.