Please join us for a conversation about the presence of African American history in our national parks, what those stories tell us about our shared past, and why maintaining an inclusive and relevant National Park System is a critical component to a healthy second century for the parks we love.
We are grateful for your support of the National Parks Conservation Association. As a thank you, we invite you to join us for a reception and our special presentation, National Parks & America’s Untold Stories.
Two-thirds of the units in the National Park System were established to commemorate our shared history and culture. A significant portion of those units are known as African American experience sites and contain some of the most significant resources and engaging stories in the entire system; from Civil War to Civil Rights and beyond.
“National parks reintroduce us to heroes we know, or think we know, and debut the stories of thousands of everyday men and women who found the courage, inspiration or will to stand up or sit down for what was right. In getting to know them better we see the challenges and opportunities in ourselves and in our nation.” -Alan Spears
Lynn McClure, Midwest Senior Regional Director
Lynn McClure opened our Midwest office in Chicago in 2007 and leads the protection of more than 50 national parks. Lynn loves the diversity of the Midwest parks: from Cuyahoga Valley in the east to the Black Hills of Mount Rushmore in the west, and from Pullman National Monument on Chicago’s south side to the rolling Tall Grass Prairie of Kansas. Although it’s always hard to choose a favorite, Lynn favors the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Alan Spears, Cultural Resources Director
Alan Spears uses real-life stories and a conversational style to connect with his audiences. A longtime NPCA legislative representative and resident historian, he has helped ensure that important national stories are preserved for posterity. Recent victories include the addition of five national monuments to the park system: Fort Monroe, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Colonel Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers, Delaware First State, and Pullman National Monument.His favorite national park is Gettysburg National Military Park.
For questions or to RSVP, contact Katie Stores:
202.454.3370 kstores@npca.org
-
- Time:
- 6:00 PM (CDT)
-
- Location:
- University Club of Chicago 76 East Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603
-
Press Release
Relief of National Park Seasonal Hiring Overshadowed by Reckless Staff Cuts
A Thousand National Park Staff Lose Jobs Today
-
Press Release
Parks Group Responds to Removal of Trans Contributions at Stonewall National Monument
"Erasing letters or webpages does not change the history or the contributions of our transgender community members at Stonewall or anywhere else." -- NPCA's Timothy Leonard
