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Incarceration

From the War of 1812 through the Second World War, Fort McHenry allows for a wide variety of history and subjects to be the topic of the park's ranger programs. Join rangers as they present pre-established programs that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories! Rangers Choice Programs happen daily at 11:15 AM. Programs are free but some may enter the Star Fort Historic Zone (fee area, $1…

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About Incarceration

  • Ranger in living history garb speaks to a semicircle of people outside of the visitor center.

    Ranger's Choice Programs · Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    From the War of 1812 through the Second World War, Fort McHenry allows for a wide variety of history and subjects to be the topic of the park's ranger programs. Join rangers as they present pre-established programs that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories! Rangers Choice Programs happen daily at 11:15 AM. Programs are free but some may enter the Star Fort Historic Zone (fee area, $15 per adult). Programs meet outside the park visitor center on the concrete map of the Chesapeake Bay.

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Ranger's Choice Programs

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

From the War of 1812 through the Second World War, Fort McHenry allows for a wide variety of history and subjects to be the topic of the park's ranger programs. Join rangers as they present pre-established programs that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories! Rangers Choice Programs happen daily at 11:15 AM…

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All parks (38)

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

CA

Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area
National Historic Area

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area

AK

The remote Aleutian Islands, home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people for over 8,000 years, became a fiercely contested Pacific battleground in World War II. Some Unangax̂ were taken from their homelands as Japanese prisoners of war while the others were evacuated from the islands by the government. Both groups suffered greatly during the war, and some would never return to their villages.

Amache National Historic Site
National Historic Site

Amache National Historic Site

CO

Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, near Granada, Colorado was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to unjustly incarcerate Japanese Americans. Over 10,000 people, most American citizens, were incarcerated at Amache from 1942 to 1945.

Andersonville National Historic Site
National Historic Site

Andersonville National Historic Site

GA

Nearly 13,000 men died on these grounds, a site that became infamous even before the Civil War ended. Their burial grounds became Andersonville National Cemetery, where veterans continue to be buried today. This place, where tens of thousands suffered captivity so others could be free, is also home to the National Prisoner of War Museum and serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

VA

On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Questions remained: could the nation reunite as one? How would emancipation be realized?

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
National Monument

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

DC

Home to the National Woman's Party for more than 90 years, this was the epicenter of the struggle for women's rights. From this house in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, Alice Paul and the NWP developed innovative strategies and tactics to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and equality for women. President Barack Obama designated the national monument on April 12, 2016.

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
National Monument

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

AL

In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared in print and television news around the world. These dramatic scenes of violent police aggression against civil rights protesters in Birmingham, Alabama were vivid examples of segregation and racial injustice in America.

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

MA

. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach of downtown Boston. Youth programs, visitor services, research, wildlife management, and more are coordinated on the park's 34 islands and peninsulas by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
National Historic Site

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

NC

Current Status: Pedestrian detour in place from main parking lot. Grounds / trails open dawn till dusk 7 days a week. Barn open 7 days a week 10-4. Bookstore / Visitor Center open Tuesday - Sunday 9-5. Interagency passes can be purchased at Visitor Center.

Congaree National Park
National Park

Congaree National Park

SC

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.

Death Valley National Park
National Park

Death Valley National Park

CA,NV

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

First State National Historical Park
National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

DE,PA

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.

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