Women’s Rights National Historical Park to Host Naturalization Ceremony

Date: August 20, 2014
Contact: John Stoudt, 315-568-0024

Seneca Falls, New York –Twenty candidates from 16 countries will become new citizens during a ceremony at Women's Rights National Historical Park on Thursday, August 21, 2014. This is one of many naturalization ceremonies taking place in national parks during Citizenship Week under a partnership between the National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The theme is "Embrace Citizenship –Experience America through your National Parks."

Some of the countries represented by the candidates include Bhutan, Canada, Cuba, Ethiopia, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica. Liberia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the People's Republic of China, Poland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

"How fitting to take the oath of citizenship here at Women's Rights National Historical Park," stated Superintendent Ami Ghazala. "National Parks are a uniquely American idea.  It is an honor to welcome these new citizens here at Women's Rights National Historical Park."

The ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2014, in the Wesleyan Chapel atWomen's RightsNational Historical Park. Parking is available in the parking lot behind the Visitor Center and on the street.

"I can't think of places more appropriate to welcome a new generation of American citizens than national parks," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "These parks, which are owned by all Americans, are not only places of stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, but across this country more than 400 national parks preserve our nation's fascinating history and protect our rich cultural heritage. From the Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico to Ellis Island in New York City, national parks ensure our nation's artifacts and records are protected for generations to come."

The National Park Service and USCIS partnership agreement helps introduce new citizens to some of the nation's most significant natural resources and cultural heritage sites. These historic and picturesque sites provide an ideal backdrop for citizenship ceremonies, where new citizens can learn about and reflect on American identity and the responsibilities of citizenship.