The National Park Foundation (NPF) has announced a major investment of $4.6 million in grants to support the second cohort of its Inclusive Storytelling initiative. This program aims to document, preserve, and share diverse narratives that shaped American history, with 60 national park sites, community organizations, and partners set to benefit. The funding represents more than double the inaugural investment, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to presenting fuller, more inclusive accounts of U.S. history.
“Every national park has a story to tell – a vital piece of our shared American story,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, Chief Program Officer at NPF. “Our goal is to support parks in researching and telling these important stories in memorable and engaging ways.”
Enhancing Interpretive Experiences
The grants will fund efforts across well-known sites like Yellowstone National Park and less-visited locations such as the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Projects include updates to visitor centers, new interpretive exhibits, podcasts, training programs, and digital content creation. These efforts aim to integrate overlooked stories and amplify underrepresented voices in the national narrative.
One recipient, the Alice Ferguson Foundation, will use the funds to install six interpretive waysides throughout Piscataway Park in Maryland. These installations will educate visitors about the enduring legacy and contributions of the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe. The interpretive waysides will use storytelling techniques to connect park visitors with the rich cultural heritage of the local Indigenous communities.
Highlighted Initiatives
- Acadia National Park: Collaborating with Wabanaki Youth in Science and cultural knowledge experts to develop interpretive materials reflecting Indigenous perspectives.
- Alaska Regional Office: Expanding Denali National Park’s interpretive programming to include Indigenous peoples’ presence and knowledge.
- Amache Alliance: Designing exhibits at the Amache National Historic Site to preserve the experiences of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II.
- Death Valley National Park: Publishing articles and resources that center Indigenous knowledge and the contributions of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.
Expanding Collaborative Opportunities
In addition to the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s work at Piscataway Park, other efforts emphasize collaboration between local communities and park sites. For example:
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will build performance stages for storytelling and music, incorporating contributions from regional Tribes, historians, and community members.
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site will partner with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission to create a virtual exhibit showcasing Gullah Geechee culture.
- Ford’s Theater Society will host workshops and public discussions on historical themes, inviting community members to participate in playwriting sessions and post-show discussions.
Commitment to Inclusivity
The National Park Foundation’s Inclusive Storytelling initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring that the stories told at national parks and historical sites are as diverse and multifaceted as the people they represent. By expanding the scope of interpretation and education, these grants will allow visitors to better connect with the complexities of American history and culture.
Focusing on Piscataway Park
The Alice Ferguson Foundation’s project at Piscataway Park exemplifies the initiative’s goals. The interpretive waysides will help highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe. As visitors explore the park, they will encounter detailed narratives that bring these stories to life, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.
By integrating Indigenous voices and perspectives, the project seeks to create a more comprehensive visitor experience while honoring the community’s lasting impact.
A Path Toward Broader Representation
With more than double the funding of its inaugural year, the Inclusive Storytelling initiative signals a meaningful investment in bridging gaps in historical interpretation. From showcasing Indigenous knowledge in Alaska to amplifying African American stories in Washington, D.C., the grants aim to reflect the full breadth of American experiences. Through these efforts, the National Park Foundation is ensuring that public lands and historical sites resonate with and represent all who visit them.
