Preserving Cultural Resources

Yellowstone’s cultural resources tell the stories of people, shown here around 1910 near the Old Faithful Inn, and their connections to the park. The protection of these resources affects how the park is managed today.

NPS

 

Yellowstone National Park’s mission includes preserving and interpreting evidence of past human activity through archeology and historic preservation; features that are integral to how a group of people identifies itself (ethnographic resources); and places associated with a significant event, activity, person or group of people that provide a sense of place and identity (historic buildings, roads, and cultural landscapes). All of these materials and places tell the story of people in Yellowstone. Collectively, they are referred to as cultural resources.

 

Archeological Sites

More than 2,000 known prehistoric and historic Native American archeological sites and historic European American archeological sites.

Ethnographic Resources

More than 300 ethnographic resources (animals, plants, sites, etc.).

Historic

• 25 sites, landmarks, and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places; many more eligible for listing.
• More than 840 historic buildings.
• 1 National Historic Trail.

Collections

Housed in the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center:

• Museum collection of more than 1 million museum items, including 30 historic vehicles.
• Archives containing millions of historic documents.
• Research library holds more than 20,000 books and periodicals available to the public; plus manuscripts and rare books available to historians and other researchers.

 

Archeology

Archeological resources are a key source of information about humans in Yellowstone.

Tribal Affairs & Partnerships

Yellowstone is the traditional shared homelands of many Tribal Nations whose traditions have shaped the landscape through generations.

Cultural Landscapes

Yellowstone contains an array of landscapes that reflect the park’s history and development patterns.

History & Culture

Explore the rich human and ecological stories that continue to unfold.