U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to join Jewell at Little Rock Central High School National Historical Site; Visits to parks across the country highlight a century of preserving America's natural, cultural heritage; challenges as parks enter second century of service
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, Deputy Secretary Mike Connor and other senior Obama Administration officials have embarked on a nationwide tour to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) – often called "America's Best Idea."
Secretary Jewell and Deputy Secretary Connor will highlight efforts to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates; mitigate against the devastating impacts of climate change; tell a more inclusive story; preserve and protect natural, historic and cultural resources; create economic opportunities for local communities; and engage more diverse audiences.
With special events across the country, and free admission to all 412 national parks from August 25 - 28, the National Park Service is encouraging everyone to #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque for the centennial.
Monday, August 22
New York: In the morning, Secretary Jewell will tour the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area with U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey and hold a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to talk about the importance of historic preservation.
In the afternoon, Secretary Jewell will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to highlight the economic contributions of the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.
In the evening, Secretary Jewell will join Bill Nye and President and CEO of the National Park Foundation Will Shafroth for an interactive Find Your Park event at Brooklyn Bridge Park. With a nod to the innovative spirit of Thomas Edison National Historical Park, participants will illuminate the New York City skyline by controlling the color of the One World Trade Center Spire for the first time ever through interactive, collaborative puzzles on a giant circuit board.
Tuesday, August 23
Arkansas: Secretary Jewell and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx will tour Little Rock Central High School National Historical Site and hold a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the importance of preserving a more complete story of America's history, including the struggle for civil rights.
Georgia: Deputy Secretary Mike Connor will tour Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta.
Wednesday, August 24
California: Secretary Jewell and Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet will tour César E. Chávez National Monument and hold a town hall discussion on engaging the next generation and telling a more inclusive story. Designated by President Obama in 2012, César E. Chávez National Monument tells the powerful story of farm workers struggle for a better life and is an example of efforts by the NPS to recognize the increasingly diverse makeup of American communities.
Delaware: Deputy Secretary Connor will tour First State National Historical Park in New Castle.
Thursday, August 25
Montana: In the morning, Secretary Jewell will tour Glacier National Park with scientists and stakeholders to see firsthand how climate change is affecting the park's namesake glaciers and other park resources.
In the evening, Secretary Jewell will visit Yellowstone National Park to deliver keynote remarks at Roosevelt Arch to celebrate the creation of the NPS on August 25, 1916.
Maryland: Deputy Secretary Connor will participate in a naturalization ceremony at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. In honor of the Centennial, NPS is working with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to host at least 100 naturalization ceremonies at national parks this year.
Friday, August 26
Minnesota: Secretary Jewell and U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum will canoe through Mississippi National River and Recreation Area with local youth from the nonprofit Outdoor Afro, which celebrates and inspires African American connections and leadership in nature. Secretary Jewell will also participate in a live discussion with American astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Washington, D.C.: Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet will tour National Mall and Memorial Parks with returned Peace Corps volunteers who now serve as National Park Service rangers.
