Park Ranger Speaker Series

The Interior Library is proud to present a series of programs on the background and history of sites of interest in the Washington, D.C. region and around the country, as well as subjects highlighting the history of the United States. The one hour programs, presented by National Park Service Rangers, are presented virtually via webinar.

To register for a future Park Ranger Speaker Series program, please use our Park Ranger Speaker Series registration form. If the registration form does not work at your location, you may use the Library's contact form. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Interior Library by e-mail at library@ios.doi.gov or by phone at (202) 208-5815.

Webinar recordings of recently completed Park Ranger Speaker Series programs are available upon request. Please contact the Interior Library by phone at (202) 208-5815, e-mail at library@ios.doi.gov or via the Library's comment form for more information.
 

Upcoming Programs

The Great Compromise: The Origin Story of Big Cypress National Preserve
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET

The concept of Big Cypress National Preserve was born from an exercise in compromise. Everyone saw the importance of protecting the swamp, but many did not want this region added to nearby Everglades National Park. Many felt that national parks were managed in a restrictive manner and access to the swamp would be lost. The resulting compromise created a new land management concept - a national preserve. Big Cypress National Preserve was formally established as the nation's first national preserve on October 11, 1974. It created an area that would not only be protected but would also allow for specific activities described within the legislation that established the preserve. Please join Park Ranger Scott Pardue from Big Cypress National Preserve for a celebration of what has been accomplished over the past half century and how the preserve aspires to meet the challenges of the next fifty years.   

Please note: This program is only being offered as a simultaneous online webinar. Please contact the Library to obtain webinar information for this program.

 

On Freedom’s Tenuous Edge: Gettysburg’s African American Community Before, During, and Immediately After the Campaign and Battle
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Despite all that has been written about the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, there remain stories that have been relatively under-told. These include the stories of African-American men, women, and children whose lives were forever changed by the events of the summer of 1863. For many free Blacks, the invasion of Confederate soldiers meant tragic and heartbreaking kidnappings, with many being forcibly sent to the south and into slavery. Some African-Americans joined the cause for freedom alongside the Union army while at the same time enduring the devastating sacrifice of their personal property. Please join Ranger John Hoptak from Gettysburg National Military Park as he explores some of the many ways in which Gettysburg’s Black community impacted and were impacted by the campaign and battle.  

Please note: This program is only being offered as a simultaneous online webinar. Please contact the Library to obtain webinar information for this program.

 

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