Black History Month

Every February during Black History Month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners share stories, rich culture, and an invitation for all Americans to reflect on Black history in parks and communities across the country. More than 400 years of Black history and heritage—including achievements, contributions, and historical journeys—are remembered and commemorated in places preserved for current and future generations.

Inspired by something you've learned or have a memorable national park experience to share? Join the conversation on social media using #BlackHistoryMonth and #FindYourPark or #EncuentraTuParque.

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Duration:

4 minutes, 25 seconds

Developed by a group of NPS staff and interns, this film explores the trauma, resilience, and beauty of the African American experience in our country.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, pictured c.a. 1915, is universally known as the "Father of Black History."

Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, NMAH, Smithsonian Institution

Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month, or African American History Month, began as a weeklong celebration in 1926. Since the 1890s, Black communities celebrated the birthdays of two people considered to have a big impact on Black history in the US: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson was one of many people who traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of nationwide emancipation. He was inspired by experiences from his trip to create an organization to promote the study of Black life and history. Soon after he helped to form what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the sponsors of Black History Month.

Dr. Woodson dedicated his life to institutionalizing the field of Black history, including by advocating that it be a regular part of formal education. In 1926, he created the celebration of "Negro History Week" during the second week of February timed with the birthdays of Lincoln and Douglass. Dr. Woodson and other advocates provided educational materials each year, such as lesson plans, pictures, scripts for historical performances, and posters. Fifty years later, the weeklong celebration became a month long and has been recognized by presidential proclamation every year since.

Featured Stories

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, our official partner, continues to organize a nationwide effort to celebrate Black History Month and recommends themes each year. During this Black History Month, the National Park Service and our partners are exploring stories about Black families, representation, identity, and diversity of past and present as told through national parks and through our programs and partnerships.

A Continuing Tradition of Service

Before the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, predominantly Black US Army calvary regiments known as "Buffalo Soldiers" served as the first rangers for the country's new national parks. In the summer of 1903, Captain Charles Young became the first Black national park superintendent when his troops were tasked to manage and protect Sequoia National Park. Today a tradition of service continues with employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many National Park Service career fields, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

Featured Parks and Places

More than 400 years of Black history and heritage is found in national parks or shared through National Park Service programs and partners in communities across the country. Discover a few places in the National Park System or networks in communities across the country.

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  African American Civil Rights Network

  A new network of sites across the country tells the story of the African American Civil Right Movement.

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  Network to Freedom

  Explore more than 600 places nationwide that are part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

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  Reflecting on the Reconstruction Era

  The new Reconstruction Era National Historic Network connects sites that tell the story of this defining time in American history.

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  National Register of Historic Places

  Thousands of historic places in neighborhoods around the country that preserve Black history and heritage are recognized on the register.

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  Boston African American NHS

  The African American community of 19th-century Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice.

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  Tuskegee Institute NHS

  In 1881, Booker T. Washington began building a school—and its reputation—for Black students to have quality educational opportunities.

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  Pullman National Monument

  The first labor organization led by African Americans to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor was based in Pullman.

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  Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

  Before the first African American military pilots became known as the "Red Tails," they began their reputation in the skies above Tuskegee.

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  Little Rock Central High School

  In 1957, a group of high schoolers known as the "Little Rock Nine" risked their safety to open the doors of all schools to every student.

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  Freedom Riders National Monument

  In 1961, a small interracial band of “Freedom Riders” risked their lives to challenge discriminatory segregation laws for interstate travel.

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  Martin Luther King, Jr. NHP

  One of the nation's most influential civil rights advocates, Dr. King's vision for the country moved hearts and minds.

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  Gullah Geechee Heritage

  The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor shares traditions of descendants of West and Central Africans that continue today.

Trip Ideas

Parks and partners have suggestions for self-guided activities to learn more about Black history and heritage. You can also find a park to begin planning your own visit and get tips to recreate responsibly.