First Amendment

 

First Amendment Activities/Demonstrations in George Rogers Clark NHP (36 CFR § 2.51 and 2.52)

The term “demonstrations” includes demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

George Rogers Clark NHP offers one designated location where individuals or groups may exercise their First Amendment (FA) rights through demonstrations. The First Amendment location will only accommodate one group at a time. A non-fee permit is required, to reserve a First Amendment location and to allow the National Park Service to determine if management of the space is necessary to protect park resources or visitors.

The sale or distribution of non-commercial printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items without asking for or demanding payment or donation, is allowed within designated areas.

 

Who Needs a Permit?

All first amendment activities require a permit, however permits for conflicting events may not be granted on the same dates.

Contact the Special Park Use Permit Coordinator at [e-mail] if you have questions.

 

Designated First Amendment Locations

Patrick Henry Square is predetermined by the National park Service for First Amendment activities provided the location can accommodate the requested group size. No other areas are available for First Amendment activities.

• First Amendment participants may not obstruct traffic or approach visitors

• All participant vehicles must be legally parked.

• First Amendment participants may not interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities.

• First Amentment activity permits are granted on a first come-first serve basis.

• Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used, unless specificaly included in the permit.

• Items or publications may not be attached to any cultural or natural object, bench, handrail, fence, shrub, tree or other park property.

• The area must be left in the same condition as found. Any damage to park property by, or as a result of the permit holder, will be replaced or repaired at the cost of the permit holder.

• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is prohibited. ---The term, unmanned aircraft, means a device that is used or is intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or to control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or for commerce.

 

How to Apply

First Amendment Permits are free of charge and can be valid up to 7- 14 days at a time. The organizer is requested to provide reasonable notice (preferably 10 business days) of the proposed event to the Special Use Permit Office, including whether there is any reason to believe that there may be an attempt to disrupt, protest, or prevent the activity. Submit application to the Special Use Permits Coordinator in person or by email at GERO_Ranger _Activities at nps.gov. These forms have an area for a social security number, it is not needed, please DO NOT write your social security number on these forms. Special Use Permit Application

 

Patrick Henry Square is highlighted in orange

NPS Image

The first amendment area, Patrick Henry Square in Vincennes, IN, is highlighted in orange on the map above