The Cultural Anthropology Program of the National Park Service (NPS) harnesses the power of research and communication to connect cultural communities with places that are considered essential to their identity. Since 1981, the NPS has developed a diverse network of practicing cultural anthropologists in parks, regional offices and a national program office in Washington DC. These anthropologists apply new knowledge and current anthropological methods to connect parks and people.

Together with its parent organization the NPS Tribal Relations and American Cultures (TRAC) Program, and co-workers in the Park NAGPRA Program, Tribal Historic Preservation Program, and Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education, the Cultural Anthropology Program ensures living people - linked to parks by deep historical or cultural attachments - have a voice in agency decision-making.