Parked at Home

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NPS/Pearson

Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home!  

Click here to register

Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home, or in a destination you dream of visiting. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and opportunities for questions and answers.  

All Parked at Home programs are free and will be hosted on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM (eastern) in March and April.  

Thank you to our partner, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, for supporting this program.    
 

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March 13, 2025 – Rocky Mountain National Park  

Click here to watch the recording of this presentation.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a land of extremes. The Park’s 415 square miles encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows, to glistening alpine lakes, to towering mountain peaks, the natural beauty of this portion of the Rockies is sublime. Join us as we discover the stories of the many animal and plant species that call this alpine environment home, and how such an extreme environment shapes this diverse ecosystem. 

March 20, 2025 – Saratoga National Historical Park  

Click here to watch the recording of this presentation.

In the midst of our War for Independence, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army in upstate New York. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surrendered his entire force. This first ever surrender of a British Army is one of the pivotal turning points in the Revolutionary War. Join rangers for a discussion of this battle and its ties to soldiers from the Blackstone River Valley. 

March 27, 2025 – Carlsbad Caverns National Park  

Click here to watch the recording of this presentation.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is more than 2,000 miles from Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI. Located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns is made up of more than 100 caves. This is in sharp contrast to the Slater mill complex, which is home to a deep wheel pit, three historic buildings, and exactly zero caves at present time. Yet at both of these sites, tourists have been known to come from miles away, joining the bats that enjoy the climates each of these national parks have to offer. During this talk, a ranger from Carlsbad will share insider information about the site’s industrial, environmental, and social history, from guano mining, to oil, and other unexpected connections to the Blackstone Valley.    

April 3, 2025 – Valley Forge National Historical Park 

Click here to watch the recording of this presentation.

Patriots from the Blackstone Valley were involved in many critical battles and campaigns during the War for Independence. For much of the war, soldiers from disparate regiments fought together under a loose coalition. At Valley Forge, the 1777-1778 winter encampment site of the Continental Army, patriots from the Blackstone Valley joined soldiers from numerous colonies in their shared fight. At this place, they became part of a united fighting force capable of winning a war against a great empire. Learn about the contributions of soldiers from this region, and particularly patriots of color in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, while also getting an insider's view of Valley Forge. 

April 10, 2025 – Saint Croix Island International Historic Site  

The French landing of 1604 at what is today called Saint Croix Island marked the beginning of a continuous French presence in North America. This had lasting international impact on the North American continent and on the Passamaquoddy, the first inhabitants of the land. As the site transitioned from homeland, to colonial outpost, to part of the burgeoning United States, the landscape was dramatically changed. The site was home to a rich industrial history of logging, shipping, rock quarrying, and a plaster mill.  

Join us as we discuss the lasting impact of this site on the United States, Canada, French/Acadians, and Passamaquoddy, and what it means to be an International Historic Site 

Details

Duration

45-60 Minutes

Programs last around 60 minutes

Activity

Guided Tours

Age(s)

There is no age restrictions on particpating in this program

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Virtual Programs

These programs are held virtually in partnership with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. All programs are held on Zoom. Please register for link.

Reservations

Yes

Please click here to register for this program. A link will be sent to your email.

Season

Winter

Programs are held on Thursday in March and April. 

Time of Day

Night

Programs are hosted at 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Accessibility Information

An American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter will provide signing services for all 6 programs. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact Ranger Mark Mello