National Park Service Museum Collections

Now you can search the collections of the National Park Service Museum. You will be able to find images and records by searching for the park name, keyword or other limiters.

The Night Sky

Fall is a great time to be outside, especially at night. Take a few minutes the next time you're out at night and look up at the sky. Is it dark or lighter due to nearby lights? Believe it or not, a dark sky (natural darkness) is becoming a rare thing. Learn how our National Parks Service is working to manage our natural darkness with their Natural Lightscape Management program.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is now the 395th National Park. Curious about how the memorial was created? Read Building the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial from Smithsonian.com. 

14 New National Historic Landmarks

The National Park Service has announced 14 new National Historic Landmarks. Is one near you?

Grand Canyon River Archeology Virtual Tour

Wish you were going to the Grand Canyon this summer? Here's your chance to visit virtually & as an archeologist. Take the virtual tour of the Grand Canyon River.

Civil War 150 Years

Here's a list of agencies/departments that are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the civil war: 

Census History: Civil War Sesquicentennial 

How We’ve Commemorated the Civil War 

The List: What You Didn’t Know About the Smithsonian in the Civil War

 The Civil War: 150 Years

History of the National Christmas Trees

Suicides in National Parks

While most suicides occur in private locations, some occur in public spaces which include national parks. This Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the CDC delves into this topic while also discussing recommendations on how to prevent suicides in the national parks along with training for park employees.
  
Suicides in National Parks --- United States, 2003--2009

Plan Your Own Big Adventure!

Be like Oprah & Gail by planning your own big adventure at a National Park.

Virtual Tour of the Statue of Liberty

Here's your chance to experience the Statue of Liberty from your computer. 

Free Entrance Days in Your National Parks

Veterans Day, November 11, 2010, is the last day of this year to visit a National Park for free.

Wolves, Elk & Aspen Trees

A news release from the USGS indicates that wolves might not be saving Aspen Trees in Yellowstone National Park from Elk after all.

The Great Outdoors

Plan to visit a National Park during National Parks Week (April 17-25, 2010) because all entrance fees will be wavered.

Here's a way to combine your love of brackets with National Parks, National Parks Playoffs.

Want to learn more about nature and science? Consider attending the Public Lecture Series: Science in Action by the USGS. The April 7th lecture will be Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds by Robert Gill and Dr. L. David Mech. Can't make it in person? The lectures will be available in video following each lecture.

Prefer active vacations? Check out this article on 4 National Park Adventures.

Name Your Favorite National Park

A segment of Sunday Morning (CBS) was devoted to our National Parks. Reveling in 'America's Best Idea' shows not only how wonderful and beautiful our National Parks are but also about a new documentary by Ken Burns, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. The six episode documentary will begin next Sunday on PBS.

National Park Service's America's Best Idea Today

Vacation Plans?

Have you thought about visiting a National Park this summer? Family Fun 2009 lists events that will be occurring at all of the parks during the summer. Some of the parks are offering Fee-Free Weekends. Start planning now!