Image of Zion National Park mountains in the background and in the foreground a newspaper collage style of 3 images. The three images include a Seminole woman, an Black baseball team, and Charles Young.

EXPLORING BLACK HISTORY IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

Our Heritage Outside elevates the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to the National Park Service system. From the brave Buffalo soldiers who served as the first park rangers in the West to the enslaved men who carved the trails in Mammoth Cave to the Black Cowgirls on wild frontier, we are committed to ensuring that their legacy is recognized and celebrated for future generations of park visitors. By sharing these stories in a digital-first approach, we aim to inspire more individuals to explore the National Park, while also creating a more inclusive historical record of America’s greatest idea.

JOIN US IN AMPLIFYING OUR STORIES

We invite you to help us celebrate the heroes, champions and everyday Black Americans who shaped our 63 National Parks.We are seeking the expertise and passion of individuals who can help bring this project to life.

We’re looking for people like you to support this work. If you have a connection to Black History in the National Parks or want to support our work, consider donating or email us at outreach@ourheritageoutside.com. We’re especially looking to connect with the following:

Historians: to research and validate historical narratives
Artists and Designers: to create visually compelling representations of these stories
Community Members: to share personal stories and connections to national parks
Financial Sponsors: to support our mission and initiatives.
DONATE