What We Do

Learn about the unique history of schooling on six of the islands within the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. 

Learn about the development of Black post-emancipation schools in the South as part of the legacy of Black communities’ dedication and commitment to ensuring civil rights. Ten case studies highlight Reconstruction Era education stories and sites in and around national parks.

Learn about schools for black children in Oxon Hill, Maryland after the Civil War.

Join National Park Service staff to commemorate the events of 1943 for Eisenhower National Historic Site’s (NHS) 2023 World War II Weekend event. The theme for this year’s events is “1943: America at War.” The year 1943 saw the American people take park in a global struggle against fascism and tyranny, joining together with their Allies abroad to provide the material, manpower, and leadership needed to fight the Axis powers during WWII. From September 15-17, park rangers, guest speakers, living historians, and partner organizations will bring the stories of 1943 to life through three days of programming and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

In the Reconstruction period following the Civil War, newly freed African Americans faced monumental challenges to establish their own households, farm their own lands, establish community institutions and churches, and to pursue equal justice under the law in a period of racist violence. A new NPS report presents the story of the extraordinary accomplishments of rural African Americans in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

This lesson introduces students to the history of the Dowling Victory Garden, the last remaining World War II victory garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It can be taught as part of a unit on WWII and the home front.

Iron Hill School, constructed in 1923 in a rural area of northern Delaware, was one of more than 80 schools for African-American children built between 1919 and 1928 as part of philanthropist Pierre Samuel du Pont's "Delaware experiment." This article explore the history of Iron Hill School and offers reading and activities for learners young and old.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger entered Galveston, Texas, with critical news: the American Civil War was over, and enslaved African Americans were free. To commemorate the occasion, black Texans held the first Juneteenth celebrations. Learn more about Emancipation in Pennsylvania.

Abraham Brian, Basil Biggs, James Warfield, and Mag Palm are just a few of the many individuals that were affected by the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, and each has their own story to tell. We have collected their stories in one place so that you can learn more about their various trials during this tumultuous time in American history.

To commemorate Black History Month, Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site are highlighting history associated with the African American experience in Gettysburg.