The nation's historic and cultural resources are the physical and spiritual reminders of the decisive times, people, and places in American history and culture. The National Park Service mission is to help preserve these places—both within the parks and in communities across the nation—as tangible, living contacts with previous and future generations.

The Cultural Resources Stewardship, Partnerships, and Science Directorate provides leadership for the protection and interpretation of the nation's heritage, guides a national historic preservation program that embraces national parks and heritage resources, engages all American peoples with the places and stories that make up their national identity, and serves as a model for the stewardship of cultural resources throughout the world.  

Photos courtesy of the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress

Discover History
Discover History

Learn about our work in national parks and in communities across the country

Cultural Landscapes
Cultural Landscapes

Explore cultural landscapes in the National Park System

 Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation

Learn how to preserve special places in your community

Telling All Americans’ Stories
Telling All Americans’ Stories

Celebrate Americans' diverse and inclusive history

Teaching with Historic Places
Teaching with Historic Places

Bring historic properties into the classroom with these lesson plans

Last updated: November 10, 2023