Most Endangered Historic Places - National Parks and Beyond
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released their list of 11 most endangered historical sites, which includes sites across the country that are physical reminders of the fight to ensure liberty and justice for all. Among this list are stories of oppression, segregation, physical harm, and family separation - as well as stories of hope, strength, and resilience in the face of tyranny and injustice.
Five National Parks Services sites made the list: the Women’s Rights National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, New York), Stonewall National Monument (New York, New York), Tule Lake National Monument (Modoc County, California), Chaco Culture National Historic Park (Nageezi, NM), and The President’s House Site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). The last one, as you may remember, was subject to removal of key interpretative panels documenting the legacy of slavery in the founding of America. While a limited number of panels have been returned, with the approaching 250 anniversary of America’s founding, the erasure of history stands as a glaring omission.
These sites exist to remind us of the struggles that our nation and its many diverse inhabitants have faced. Preserving that history does not denigrate others; it is a recognition of our past, its rights and its wrongs. At the DRP we recognize the importance of preserving that memory and will continue to support the efforts of our Save Our Signs partners. The upcoming 250th anniversary provides a time for reflection on that history. If you are traveling this summer, consider heading to a National Park Service site and taking some pictures to add to our collection. Your simple act will help to ensure that our history remains available for us all.
