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Support for National Parks
NPS administrative histories look at the history of federal parks and the National Park Service as public programs and as a public trust. They analyze individual parks and their establishment and administration, as well as NPS programs and policies.
As a government agency, the NPS has reflected and participated in national discussions about the environment and its relationship to society. Parks provide specific evidence about the history of conservation and management of natural resources and about the economic, ecological, and aesthetic dimensions of the public lands. Parks illuminate changes in the very concept of nature and wilderness, the economic interests involved in the setting aside and development of public lands, and ways Americans experience nature and wilderness in shifting patterns of tourism and recreation.
Park managers bear significant responsibilities for decisions about park resources that affect how future generations will see this multifaceted natural and cultural heritage. Administrative histories inform them about the decision-making of their predecessors in the NPS, and about how NPS decisions have reflected and reflect broader social, economic, cultural, and political trends and interests.
Research possibilities abound in park-related aspects of the history of ideas about nature and culture, and the sometimes-contending interests of people who have influenced and implemented federal programs for the National Park System. We are seeking partnerships, advice, and assistance from park-goers, scholars, and others with interests in parks, conservation and preservation. As of June 2001, only about 60 of the 388 parks administered by the NPS had current administrative histories. NPS national programs for archeology, concessions, land acquisition, and recreation also present research opportunities.
Source: National Park Service
Foundation and philanthropic support for national parks from around the Web.
When Richard Krueger moved from Flagstaff, Ariz., to Mancos, Colo., in April, he didn't expect to find himself living in a one-bedroom apartment. But that's exactly what he found, thanks to a...more
When World War II ended, the Rosie the Riveter Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Education Center in Richmond, Calif., was closed. But that doesn't mean you can't visit the elementary...more
It's that time of year again: the time of year when many of us crank up our air-con and head out for a dip in the pool. But what if we told you that summer is also a great time to get outside and...more
If you're in North Yorkshire, England, and see a bunch of talking lampposts, you may not realize they're actually talking about flooding. That's because they're part of a project called Ousewem,...more
"Shenandoah is one of numerous National Park Service sites across the country that have Artist-in-Residence programs to inspire artists to create and share art that not only motivates and encourages...more
When MacKenzie King was working for a conservation social enterprise in Thailand, she was called to rescue two king cobras that had fallen into a meditation center bathroom. "I ended up standing...more
The first national park in the US will soon have more affordable housing thanks to a $40 million donation from anonymous donors. The National Park Foundation and the National Park Service...more
"It's an apocalyptic disaster. It's on its knees." That's the assessment of the governor of the Veneto region, which includes Venice, after the Italian city was hit by its worst flooding in 50...more
For more than 30 years, artists have been visiting Isle Royale National Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as part of the park's Artist-in-Residence program. Now it's time for artists of all...more
When it comes to giving back to the communities in which it does business, the Liberty Foundation is no stranger to putting its money where its mouth is. In the US Virgin Islands, for instance,...more
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Halcyon Incubator Selects Inaugural Class of Fellows
Washington, D.C. based incubator for social entrepreneurs, Halcyon Incubator, has selected seven ventures to move into the newly renovated Halcyon House in September for its inaugural class of fellows.
