Today, more than
half of the 386 park areas administered by the National Park Service
have been set aside as symbols and evidence of our history and prehistory.
Many of our natural parks contain historic places that represent important
aspects of that history. Collectively, these places present an American
history textbook,a textbook that educates us about the people, events,
buildings, objects, landscapes, and artifacts of the American past
and about the aspirations and actions that produced those tangible
survivors.
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American Revolution 225th: Lighting Freedom's Flame
The years 2000 to 2008 mark the 225th anniversary of the momentous events that created the United States. Check out this site for a day-by-day chronology of the Revolution, a comprehensive listing of special events in National Parks, and an evolving roster of special features on the revolutionary period.
The Antiquities Act of 1906
This absorbing, lively narrative, first published in 1970, recounts the 25 year struggle at the turn of the century to preserve and protect America's archeological resources. The Antiquities Act established a foundation for present-day archeology and historic preservation. The authorities it gives to the president enable him to create National Monuments, as recently used by President Clinton.
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a Question
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have a question about the national parks, the National Park Service
or American history? If so, just click here to ask one of our historians.
Bibliographic
Essay on the African American West
Publication
Considering the widely held assumption that the African American presence
in the West was not significant until World War II, the historical literature
on blacks in the region is surprisingly rich and diverse. Visit our
bibliographic essay to learn more of the real history of the African
American West.
The
Golden Crescent
The Golden Crescent, running in a wide swath along the Atlantic Coast
from Savannah to Cape Canaveral and inland towards Tallahassee, is remarkably
rich in history and prehistory. Take this opportunity to catch a glimpse
of these cultural crossroads.
Hard
Drive to the Klondike: Promoting Seattle During the Gold Rush
Publication
Seattle has a long history of profiting from gold rushes. Beginning
with the stampede to California in the mid-nineteenth century and continuing
through the Klondike craze of 1897-1898, Seattle business interests
were quick to spot economic opportunity. Learn all about this history
here.
History
and Public Places: A Selected Bibliography
Our list of the best books and journals in Public History
Lighthouse
Heritage
The National Park Service published an inventory of lighthouses around
the United States in 1994. Survey information for these 595 light stations
as well as a variety of lighthouse-related pages are part this site
including the Historic Lighthouse Preservation Handbook, sources for
more information, and a listing of lighthouses by construction type.
Maritime
National Historic Landmarks
Over 100 maritime properties, i.e., lifesaving stations, lighthouses,
ships, and shipwrecks, have been designated National Historic Landmarks
(NHLs) under the "Maritime Heritage of the United States NHL Theme
Study." These studies include a both a physical description and
a statement of significance for each property as well as photos and
bibliographical information.
The
National Register Collection
The National Register Collection documents the over 71,000 properties
listed in the Register since its inception in 1966. Together these files
hold information on nearly one million individual resources--buildings,
sites, districts, structures, and objects--and provide a link to the
country's heritage at the national, state, and local levels. The documentation
on each property consists of photographs, maps, and a National Register
registration form, which provides a physical description of the place,
information about its history and significance, and a bibliography.
The Network to Freedom
Includes a history of the Underground Railroad, narratives of Underground Railroad activity, technical assistance to site owners, a forum for Underground Railroad-related community activities, links to other related web sites, and an application form to join the Network. The NPS National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program will also maintain an online database that links Underground Railroad governmental and non-governmental sites, programs, facilities, organizations and partners from around the nation.
Public
Archeology in the U.S. A Timeline
Take a journey through time and see the development of public archeology in the United States. This timeline starts with Thomas Jefferson in
1794 and finishes with this decade. See how public archeology developed and changed through the years and discover key events that shaped the discipline. This feature is a great learning tool for anyone interested in archeology in the U.S.
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