National Park Service Celebrates Centennial of Passport Program
The National Park Service is celebrating a milestone this year as its Passport Program turns 100. Since 1921, the program has been connecting visitors to the diverse and scenic wonders of the nation’s parks, monuments, and historic sites.
The Passport Program was established to encourage travel and exploration of the United States’ natural and cultural treasures. Visitors can purchase a passport book at any participating park or online and collect special cancellation stamps at each location they visit. These stamps serve as mementos of their travels and help support the preservation efforts of the National Park Service.
Over the past century, the Passport Program has grown in popularity, with millions of visitors collecting stamps and sharing their experiences on social media. The program has become a beloved tradition for families, avid travelers, and history buffs alike.
“One of the things that sets our parks apart is their unique stories and cultural significance,” said National Park Service Director Margaret Everson. “The Passport Program allows visitors to connect with these stories in a tangible way and create lasting memories of their visits.”
To mark the Passport Program’s centennial, the National Park Service is launching a series of special events and initiatives throughout the year. From new stamp designs to virtual tours and ranger-led programs, there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to engage with the program and learn more about the parks.
“We’re excited to celebrate 100 years of the Passport Program and the incredible places it has helped people discover,” said Everson. “We hope this milestone will inspire even more people to explore our parks and connect with the natural and cultural heritage of our country.”
In addition to celebrating the Passport Program’s history, the National Park Service is also looking to the future. As the program continues to evolve, officials are exploring ways to make it more accessible and inclusive for all visitors.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and included in our parks,” said Everson. “That’s why we’re working to make the Passport Program more diverse and representative of the stories and experiences that make up our nation.”
As part of this effort, the National Park Service is partnering with local communities and organizations to develop new stamp designs that reflect the cultural heritage of each location. The goal is to create a more inclusive and comprehensive program that celebrates the richness and diversity of the nation’s parks.
“We’re committed to ensuring that the Passport Program reflects the many voices and perspectives that make our parks so special,” said Everson. “By working together with our partners, we can create a program that truly represents the spirit of our parks and the people who visit them.”
As the Passport Program enters its second century, the National Park Service is looking forward to continuing its mission of connecting people with the wonders of nature and history. Whether collecting stamps or simply exploring the parks, visitors can be a part of this enduring tradition and help support the preservation of America’s most treasured landscapes.
“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Passport Program’s centennial and discovering the incredible stories and places that our parks have to offer,” said Everson. “Together, we can ensure that these treasures are enjoyed and protected for generations to come.”
