February is Black History Month and we are sharing some of the many stories that honor Black history preserved in national parks and communities across the country.

National Park Foundation, GoParks newsletter graphic cover image of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial with trees and the Washington Memorial in the background

Celebrate Black History Month in National Parks

A two story, brick house that was once the home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, marked by an NPS sign in the lawn by the sidewalk

African Americans’ contributions to our history and culture are deeply interwoven into our collective national heritage. For 20 years, NPF and our African American Experience Fund (AAEF) has been investing in national parks to ensure these stories are shared, preserved, and honored. Explore the stories behind these parks and make them a part of your next national park experience.

Beyond the Written Word with National Parks

Journee Harris holds her phone up to take a picture of something to her side while in a wooded area at Rock Creek Park

Have you ever wondered why oral history is so important? Journee Harris, who interned at Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, explains the value of oral histories and how we all have stories to tell. She is one of twelve interns that NPF placed in national parks in 2020, thanks to a partnership with NPS, Greening Youth Foundation, and Fund II Foundation on the internX program.

Parks with Links to Presidential History

A two story house with natural stone exterior and a screened-in porch is the former home of Eleanor Roosevelt and now honored as a national historic site

When it comes to national parks, you don’t have to go far to find a place with ties to a former Commander-in-Chief. Take a tour through just some of the many national parks where presidential history was made – where leaders and legends forged a new path, and where today’s visitors can explore centuries of presidential history.

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Support Your Parks

A collage of NPF merchandise, including a zip-up sweatshirt, a messenger bag, and a dog shirt

This winter show off your
park pride with NPF gear.

A woman grins with her head thrown back to let snow fall onto her face

Make a difference for America's treasured places – today and for years to come.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience at Wolf Trap

In the evening the outdoor theatre casts a warm glow on the audience sitting on a grassy, tiered steps at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is the nation’s only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts to the public – visitors come to enjoy performances of all kinds, commemorate special occasions, and make long lasting memories. Explore how NPF is enhancing the visitor experience at the park by supporting the rehabilitation of multiple deck structures.

African American Suffragists You Should Know

Four historic portraits, side by side, from left to right: Mary Burnett Talbert, Mary Church Terrell, Nannie Helen Burroughs, and Ida B. Wells

Join us as we celebrate African American leaders who played critical roles in advocating for Black women and all women to gain the right to vote. Learn how these leaders are connected to national parks, the women’s suffrage movement, and more.

Meet the NPF Team: LaTresse Snead

LaTresse in a wooded park, picking up trash while wearing gloves, a mask, and a Find Your Park t-shirt; two photos are collaged on top, both of younger LaTresse. The first is of LaTresse as a teenager, smiling at the Grand Canyon; the second is of LaTresse as a child, wearing a bright orange jacket while standing on a grassy by a large body of water

NPF’s Chief Program Officer LaTresse Snead distinctly remembers the moment she became a nature lover. She was in sixth grade on a trip to a nearby park, surrounded by trees and nature’s vibrant colors. Meet LaTresse and find out how that moment continues to inspire her work at NPF.

In Case You Missed It

A collage of screenshots of the linked social media posts on a woodgrain background

Follow us on social media for more national park gems like these.

Sharing a Love of Parks

The Hanzlik family smiles for a selfie in front of the Delicate Arch at Arches National Park

Champions Society member Frank Hanzlik shares his love for national parks with his daughter and recounts an unforgettable starlight moment in Crater Lake National Park. Read Frank’s story and discover why he’s a Champions Society member.

Eight Great Winter Park Activities to Try

An aerial view of swirling lines created by snowshoe footprints across smooth snow in Denali National Park and Preserve

During the winter months, unique activities can connect you to the wilderness, landscapes, and wonder in our national parks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to try something new, winter is a great time to discover new activities to enjoy. From frozen waterfalls to ice-fishing, explore just a few ways to experience all our parks have to offer in winter.

Cozy Up and Explore Parks At Home

Father and daughter cuddle together in a play tent with twinkle lights strung above it while in their pajamas

Sometimes you can’t get to a park, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the history, landscapes, and stories of our national parks to you. From virtual tours and webcams to educational activities for young park enthusiasts and games for everyone – there are countless ways to enjoy parks at home.

This Month's Quiz

A monument, created by stones piled into a dome, is the roadside marker for the Chimney Rock Pony Express Station. Chimney Rock can be seen on the horizon, past a field with bluffs to its side

Which site is the newest addition to the National Park System, supported by NPF and honoring the life and legacy of two civil rights advocates in Mississippi?

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Heidi Conde, from Eau Claire, WI who knew that Pony Express National Historic Trail, spanning eight states, commemorates the overland mail route taken by horse to pass communications westward before the telegraph.


Way to go, Heidi!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial with trees and the Washington Monument in the background

Wow! Where Is That?

Curious which park is featured at the top of this newsletter? Find out now!

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