Womens History Sites (U.S. National Park Service)

The National Park System is well endowed to commemorate Women’s contributions to American Society. A half dozen national parklands represent America's Women’s heritage as a primary theme. Numerous other sites preserve important contributions by Women to American Society in their programs and preservation activities. Some sites remotely display Women’s contributions to American culture.

Park Units

Clara Barton National Historic Site Glen Echo, Washington, D.C.) - Clara Barton moved into her Glen Echo home February 28, 1897. Vacating the property rented in Washington, D.C. since 1892, at 17th & F Streets NW, required packing and transporting over 30 wagon loads of supplies. As was her habit since founding the American Red Cross from her residence in Dansville, New York, Clara Barton's home in Glen Echo, Maryland would also house the American Red Cross.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (NY) - A few days after Franklin D. Roosevelt died in April 1945, a reporter hailed his widow outside her home and asked for a statement. "The story is over," she replied. True, Eleanor Roosevelt's many years as the most influential First Lady ended suddenly with the death of her husband, but her own story continued for nearly two more decades. Vigorously promoting the humanitarian causes so close to her heart, this unassuming woman earned the title - in the words of President Harry S. Truman - "First Lady of the World."

Everglades National Park (FL) - These opening words from Marjory Stoneman Douglas' immortal book "Everglades: River of Grass" crystallize the uniqueness of the Everglades. These words could also be used to describe Marjory herself, who is as rare and unique as the Everglades she has worked so hard to protect. Her book, The Everglades: River of Grass, published in 1947 -- the year Everglades National Park was established -- has become the definitive description of the natural treasure she fought so hard to protect. After several reprints, the revised edition was published in 1987, to draw attention to the continuing threats -- unresolved -- to "her river."

Johnstown Flood National Memorial (Johnstown, PA) - Clara Barton, the most recognized women of the fledgling American Red Cross, is one of the interpretive themes for Johnstown Flood National Memorial. Ms. Barton and Red Cross played a role in the relief effort but there were so many people and organizations involved in the successful efforts in rebuild Johnstown. There are so many individual men and women whose lives were impacted by the flood and who also had the strength and courage to rebuild their lives and city. The "Johnstown Flood" story consist of many "untold stories".

Lowell National Historical Park (Lowell, MA) - Posters asking for “young women between the ages of 15 and 35” represent the catalyst for a tremendous social change in 19th century New England. Seen in many small towns, they enticed women to make the choice to come to Lowell, and later Chicopee, Fall River, and others. Job options for a woman in the early 19th century were limited. Young women traveled from as far away as Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont - by horse, carriage, even by foot - leaving home, family, or village for a chance to try something new.

Maggie L. Walker NHS (Richmond, VA) - The national historic site commemorates the life of a progressive and talented African American woman. Despite many adversities, she achieved success in the world of business and finance as the first woman in the United States to found and serve as president of a bank.

Main Interior (Washington, D.C.) – Isabelle Story (1888-1970), Secretary to Director Mather, Acting Director, “editor in Chief”,

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site (Washington, D.C.) - The national historic site commemorates the life of Mary McLeod Bethune and the organization she founded, the National Council of Negro Women.

Sewall-Belmont House NHS (Washington, D.C.)

Whitman Mission NHS (WA) - Narcissa Prentiss Whitman

Women's Rights National Historical Park (Seneca, NY) - The Park commemorates the First Women's Rights Convention and the early leaders of the women's rights movement in the United States.

Yellowstone National Park (Yellowstone, WY, MT, ID) – Herma Albertson Baggley (1896-1981), Park Ranger, Naturalist and author.

ources

"The First 75 Years, National Park Service, Preserving Our Past for the Future"; Eastern National Parks and Monument Association, 1990.