The Presidents and the Peoples' Parks

Park Event · National Mall and Memorial Parks · Aug 28, 2026 · 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

August 22 until August 30 is National Parks Week in the United States. Did you know that when you visit the National Mall in Washington DC, you are visiting one of 63 designated National Parks, and one of about 400 National Park Service administered units?

The National Mall and Memorial Parks was established in 1965. But how old is the National Park idea in the United States? Come learn how 2 important figures honored on the National Mall, started the whole thing during the American Civil War!

Source: National Park Service (public domain).