What We Do

Stone tower overlooking the Grand Canyon
Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon National Park, designed by Mary Colter of the Fred Harvey Company and constructed by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1932.

Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress.

The Cultural Resources, Partnerships, and Science Directorate's archeologists, architects, curators, historians, and other cultural resource professionals assist America's national parks to preserve, protect, and share the history of this land and its people. Beyond the parks, they implement the National Park Service's role in the national preservation partnership, working with American Indian Tribes, states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, historic property owners, and others who believe in the importance of our shared heritage and its preservation.

Our programs and staff seek to achieve a standard of excellence for the stewardship of the resources that form the historical and cultural foundations of the nation, commit at all levels to a common set of goals, and articulate a common vision for the next century.

We invite you to explore our programs and learn more about what we do and how we can help in your park or community. You can also connect with us in social media and read our publications.

A

American Battlefield Protection Program

Archeology Program

C

Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education

Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems

D

Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itineraries

F

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives

Federal Preservation Institute

H

Heritage Documentation Programs

Historic Preservation Fund Grants

Historic Preservation Planning Program

Historic Surplus Property Program

M

Maritime Heritage Program

Museum Management Program

N

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training

National Heritage Areas

National Historic Landmarks

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation

National NAGPRA Program

National Register of Historic Places

P

Park Cultural Landscape Program

Park Historic Structures Program

Park History Program

Park NAGPRA Program

S

Section 106 Compliance Program

State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants

T

Teaching With Historic Places

Telling All Americans' Stories

Technical Preservation Services

Tribal Preservation Program

Y

Youth Programs

Last updated: November 10, 2023