History Is Who We Are

The National Park Service is one of the United States' leading agencies for understanding history and culture. We preserve historic sites both within national park boundaries and beyond. We offer opportunities to help communities preserve their history. Whether you want to visit an historic national park, discover America's stories, or find assistance to preserve the places that matter to you, we hope you discover something new about our shared history. 

Cultural Resources Programs
Cultural Resources Programs

Find out more about Cultural Resources Programs.

Pealing yellow, gray, and white paint expose a wood column.
Grant Opportunities

Learn about funding opportunities available to your organization or community. Many grants are now open.

Two green benches, water flows beneath, vehicle with boat ready to launch into a flooded river.
Climate Adaptation

Like natural resources, cultural resources are affected by climate change yet depend on people to withstand climate change.

Ocmuglee earth lodge
Archeology Tells Stories

Archeology discovers our buried past which helps us tell the story of those who came before.

 Cemetery headstones cover a grassy slope
Cemetery Conservation

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training researches, preserves, and provides training for protecting cemetery resources.

Teaching with Museum Collections
Teaching with Museum Collections

Teaching with Museum Collections offers lessons based on objects found at NPS museums across the country.

Black and white photo of a bridge over still water.
Cultural Landscapes

Discover the intersection of cultural and natural resources.

mounted park rangers at Yosemite
Telling Stories in the Parks

National Parks each contribute a significant story that helps create the American natural and cultural historic fabric.

Last updated: August 22, 2023