Special Use Permits

The National Park Service may require a special use permit for certain activities to occur in Sagamore Hill National Historical Site. These include organized gatherings like weddings or religious services, public assemblies and demonstrations, special events, filming and some commercial activities like still photography. A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

1. provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
2. requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
3. is not prohibited by law or regulation;
4. is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and is not managed under a concession contract or lease.

Please note that while a special park use may meet the above criteria, not all activities are approved based on park specific resources, visitation and potential impact.

What Activities May Need a Permit

The following list includes but is not limited to what activities may need a permit; please contact us to inquire if your requested activity will require a Special Use Permit.

• Filming and Photography
• Weddings
• Special Use Permits, including First Amendment Activities

Permit Application Form

Complete permit applications, including payment, insurance and/or bond, must be received at least 10 days before the anticipated activity. All interior filming requests must be initiated at least 21 days before the proposed filming date.

Special Use Permit (Word Document 839KB)

Unless the requested use is an exercise of a First Amendment Right, the application must be accompanied by a non-refundable check payment of $100 made out to the "National Park Service". Additional use and monitoring fees may be charged in accordance with established policy and procedures.

Please remember that preserving Sagamore Hill National Historic Site's historical significance, character and landscape is the park's main mission. The capacity for hosting large indoor events at Sagamore Hill is not possible for this reason.

First Amendment Activities/Demonstrations

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.

The park offers a designated location where individuals or groups may exercise their First Amendment (FA) rights through demonstrations. The FA location will only accommodate one group at a time. A non-fee permit is required for groups over 25 people, to reserve a FA location or if the National Park Service deems further management of the activity 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 park areas if it occurs in designated areas. Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.

Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within the designated park FA area, provided that they will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities. Site use is granted on a first come-first serve basis with preference given to the permit holder.