

History & Culture
The national parks have so many stories to tell and lessons to teach us. Battles have been waged here and entire civilizations have lived on these lands. We must protect these places and resources that bear witness to our histories and preserve them for future generations.

From monuments to mountains, our national parks contain some of our country’s greatest treasures. They are also a living museum that helps us understand significant moments that shaped our nation. The National Park Foundation (NPF) works to better understand America today by fully reflecting on our past.
Our work focuses on sharing more comprehensive perspectives and experiences that give us a richer connection to our country. This involves dynamic educational programs, professional development opportunities, rehabilitation of historic sites, and the preservation – both physically and digitally – of irreplaceable artifacts and places.
We are committed to unearthing and sharing more inclusive stories that haven’t been previously told. And shedding light on important figures who deserve recognition for their role in history. By elevating stories of America’s diversity and the fight for equality, we spark meaningful conversations about our past and continue working to achieve a more perfect union.

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870Oral HistoriesIn 2018, NPF helped digitally record and preserve the memories of those who witnessed the uprisings commemorated by Stonewall National Monument, as well as the passengers and crew memorialized at Flight 93 National Memorial.
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156Historic Structures RestoredIn 2021, NPF helped restore or rehabilitate 156 historic structures, from the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras to buildings at Portsmouth Village at Cape Lookout.
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5New Parks CreatedIn the last decade, NPF has helped NPS stand up 5 new parks through land acquisition and seed funding, including Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Camp Nelson National Monument, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historical Park.
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Native American Fund
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Cultural Landscape Apprenticeships
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National Park Service Mellon Humanities Fellowship
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Women in Parks
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Latino Heritage Fund
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African American Experience Fund
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Fund II Civil Rights Historic Preservation
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Inclusive Storytelling
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The History Channel

You can help improve access to places, cultural heritage, and stories that give Americans a stronger connection to our country. Support NPF’s work around preserving the history and culture that live within our national parks.