Preserve our History, Environment and Culture, One Sign at a Time

History lives where we least expect it, on the weathered panels that stand guard beside trails,
perched atop scenic overlooks, and nestled near historic structures in our national parks. But today, these unassuming signboards face a serious threat: the Trump administration’s campaign to reshape and sanitize America’s story.

This isn’t just bureaucratic tinkering. The administration has pressured the National Park Service to review and rewrite interpretive text on exhibits and signage that it deems “anti-American.” In some cases, officials have gone further, asking park visitors to report signs and displays they believe cast the United States in an unfavorable light. Think about that, our national parks, places meant to educate and inspire, are being turned into battlegrounds for ideological purity tests.

What does this mean in practice? It means signs that tell the truth about some of the hardest chapters in our history are at risk:

• Civil War battlefields where signs honestly describe slavery as the central cause of the conflict.

• Native American sites that acknowledge forced removals, massacres, and broken treaties.

• World War II locations like Manzanar, Minidoka, and Tule Lake that tell the painful story of Japanese American incarceration.

• Civil Rights landmarks that document the violence and resistance faced by those who fought for equality.

• Environmental sites such as Glacier or Everglades, where interpretive text describes how climate change is reshaping ecosystems.

• Industrial and mining landscapes where signs explain the damage caused by pollution, clear-cutting, or overuse of natural resources.

Under this campaign, visitors could soon encounter only a whitewashed version of history, one stripped of struggle, diversity, and hard truths. If allowed to stand, this approach reduces our parks to propaganda rather than places of education and reflection. Trump has ordered information deemed inappropriate to be removed by September 17, 2025.

Now more than ever, we must safeguard these echoes of the past before they disappear.

Why It’s Important to Tell the Entire Story

Our national parks are more than scenic backdrops; they are living classrooms that reveal the full scope of America’s natural, cultural, and historic legacy. From the towering sequoias of California to the battlefields of the Civil War, these places tell stories that are both inspiring and difficult. Some celebrate achievement, resilience, and discovery; others confront us with injustice, exploitation, and loss.

If we allow only the comfortable or convenient stories to be told, we lose the richness of our collective past. Interpreting the whole spectrum, beauty and struggle, triumph and tragedy, helps us understand who we are as a nation. It reminds us of what we’ve overcome, and it equips us to confront challenges still before us.

Interpretive signs are one of the most direct ways visitors encounter these lessons. They provide context, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that future generations inherit a history that is truthful, not selective. Preserving these signs is about more than words on a panel, it’s about protecting the integrity of America’s story in all its complexity.

Introducing: The “Save Our Signs” Project

The Save Our Signs initiative is a grassroots effort dedicated to documenting and archiving all history-related interpretive signs across our national parks. Its vision is simple yet powerful: ensure future generations can read, learn from, and reflect on the truths these signs convey, regardless of shifting political winds.

What You Can Do — Today

1. Visit a national park: Any one will do. From Yosemite to Acadia, every sign tells a story.

2. Snap a photo: Aim for clarity, capture the entire sign, including any contextual elements like nearby artifacts, structures, or landscapes.

3. Submit it online: Upload the image (and any notes—location, date, sign text) via the project’s submission portal: Save Our Signs photo submission.

Why this matters:

• Public record: Even if signage is altered or removed, your contribution ensures the original remains accessible.

• Crowdsourced clarity: A database built by volunteers across the country captures diverse signs from major parks to small sites.

• Collective resistance: Taking this small step is a statement. Together, we show that history can’t be erased.

A Call to Action

Calling all history-lovers, hikers, families, park fans, and American patriots, your next trip to a national park can do more than renew your spirit; it can preserve the truth. When you’re there, pause. Look. Photograph.

Tag your photos with something like "SaveOurSigns" if you're sharing on social media, and don’t forget to submit through the project portal so your documentation becomes part of something lasting and impactful.

Here’s how to help move this forward:

• Share this post with your friends, local groups, and on social media. Encourage them to visit their local parks ASAP. Encourage folks to capture every sign imaginable, especially those sharing complex or underrepresented histories.

• Forward this post to friends, family, and colleagues who work for the National Park Service and other federal land management agencies. They come in contact with our parks' interpretive displays daily. They are in the best position to capture the vast majority of signs. Encourage these park employees to photograph their park's signs before September 17, 2025.

Together, we can build a lasting archive that resists erasure and honors every story that belongs to our national narrative. Visit a park. Take a photo. Save our signs and the history they tell.

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Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park and Forest Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, Mount St. Helens, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and in the QR code included. 

A Threat to America's Natural Treasures: The Pending Government Shutdown and its Impact on National Parks

As the United States faces the specter of another government shutdown, the implications ripple across

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various sectors of society. Among the many concerns that arise when the government ceases its operations, the potential impact on national parks stands out. These protected areas of natural beauty are not only beloved by Americans but also play a vital role in supporting local economies. In this blog post, we'll delve into the looming federal government shutdown and its potential consequences for national parks, drawing insights from a Bloomberg Government report on the situation during peak fall season.

The Countdown Begins

With the federal government once again teetering on the brink of a shutdown, the possibility of dire consequences for national parks is becoming increasingly real. If Congress fails to pass a spending bill by the end of the month, the operations of these natural treasures will be severely affected.

A Peak Season Threat

The pending government shutdown coincides with the peak fall season, a time when many national parks are at their most stunning. The potential consequences of this shutdown are significant and would cause lasting damage to the environment, local economies, and more.

Disrupted Visitor Experience: National parks like Yellowstone, Acadia, and the Great Smoky Mountains are popular fall destinations, attracting tourists from around the country and the world. A government shutdown could disrupt the travel plans of countless individuals and families, robbing them of the opportunity to experience the splendor of fall foliage and unique wildlife encounters.

Economic Fallout: The fall season is a boon for local economies surrounding national parks. Businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and outdoor adventure companies, depend on the influx of tourists. A shutdown would deliver a significant blow to these enterprises, potentially leading to layoffs and financial struggles.

Environmental Concerns: The absence of park rangers and staff during a shutdown can lead to increased instances of illegal activities, such as poaching and vandalism. This can have severe consequences for the delicate ecosystems within national parks.

Infrastructure Neglect: National parks already face a significant backlog of maintenance projects. A shutdown would halt these essential repairs and maintenance efforts, potentially leading to long-term damage to park infrastructure and ecosystems.

The Human Toll: The shutdown could result in furloughs for park staff, including rangers and maintenance workers, leading to uncertainty and financial hardship for those who rely on these jobs to support their families.

A Call for Bipartisanship

The looming threat of a government shutdown underscores the necessity for bipartisan cooperation in Congress. It's crucial that elected officials prioritize the welfare of the nation and its cherished natural landscapes by finding common ground and passing spending bills that keep national parks operational.

What You Can Do!

The prospect of a government shutdown is a source of concern for many Americans. Whether it's due to political gridlock, budget disputes, or other factors, a shutdown can have far-reaching consequences on our nation. Fortunately, there are ways for individuals to voice their opposition and contribute to the collective effort to prevent such disruptions. Here are some simple steps Americans can take to make their voices heard.

Contact Your Elected Representatives

One of the most direct ways to voice your opposition to a government shutdown is to contact your elected representatives. Reach out to your senators and representatives in Congress to express your concerns. Personalized emails, phone calls, or letters can have a significant impact. Be clear and concise about your worries and urge them to work towards a resolution. Click here to contact your elected officials.

Attend Public Forums and Town Hall Meetings

Many elected officials hold public forums and town hall meetings to interact with constituents. Attend these events and take the opportunity to ask questions and express your concerns about the potential shutdown. Public pressure can influence their decisions.

Utilize Social Media

In the digital age, social media can be a powerful platform for raising awareness. Share articles, infographics, and personal stories that highlight the consequences of a government shutdown. Engage in respectful conversations with others to encourage understanding and action.

Write Letters to the Editor

Local newspapers and publications often publish letters to the editor. Write a letter expressing your opposition to a shutdown and its potential impact on your community. Publicly voiced opinions can contribute to a broader conversation.

Conclusion

The potential federal government shutdown represents a significant threat to national parks across the United States, particularly during the peak fall season. The consequences encompass economic, environmental, and human dimensions. It is essential that our elected representatives prioritize the protection and preservation of these national treasures, ensuring they remain accessible to all Americans, regardless of political divisions. Our national parks are a source of pride and inspiration, and their well-being should always be safeguarded.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code.