Commemorating Little Rock: Secretary Jewell meets with members of the Little Rock Nine

Nearly 60 years ago, Nine African-American teenagers faced great obstacles and angry mobs in September 1957 to desegregate Little Rock Central High School. Ranging in ages from 15 to 17, these teenagers showed an enormous amount of courage, fighting for the rights of children across the country to attend the school of their choice regardless of their race.

In honor of the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration and its mission to preserve history and celebrate local heritage, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx traveled to the high school and met with two members of the Little Rock Nine: Elizabeth Eckford and Thelma Mothershed-Wair.

Little Rock Central High School

Nearly 60 years ago today, Nine African-American teenagers faced great obstacles and angry mobs in September 1957 to desegregate Little Rock Central High School.

Ranging in ages from 15 to 17, these teenagers showed an enormous amount of courage and are considered civil rights activists - meaning that they fought for the right for children all over the country to attend the school of their choice regardless of their race.

Little Rock Central High School

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas is recognized as a national landmark in the fight for civil rights in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. On Monday, September 23, 1957, nine African-American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, entered the all-white Central High School seeking an education three years after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Jewell listens to the history of the Little Rock Nine

Jewell listens to the history of the Little Rock Nine's struggle for civil rights in front of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site during a commemorative visit to the site in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of America's National Park Service.

Jewell listens to the history of the Little Rock Nine

Jewell listens to the history of the Little Rock Nine's struggle for civil rights in front of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site during a commemorative visit to the site in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of America's National Park Service.
Jewell greets park staff

Jewell greets park staff at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site during her ongoing nationwide tour commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Jewell greets park staff

Jewell greets park staff at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site during her ongoing nationwide visit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Jewell tours Little Rock Central High School

Secretary Jewell toured Little Rock Central High School while the 2016 school year was in session.

Jewell tours Little Rock Central High School

Secretary Jewell toured Little Rock Central High School while the 2016 school year was in session.
Eckford and Mothershed with Secretary Jewell and Secretary Foxx

Elizabeth Eckford and Thelma Mothershed (front), original members of the Little Rock Nine, meet with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Secretary Jewell and Superintendent Robin White before a roundtable discussion on the importance of preserving America's history in the struggle for civil rights.

Eckford and Mothershed with Secretary Jewell and Secretary Foxx

Elizabeth Eckford and Thelma Mothershed (front), original members of the Little Rock Nine, meet with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Secretary Jewell and Superintendent Robin White before a roundtable discussion on the importance of preserving America's history in the struggle for civil rights.
Mothershed-Wair arrives at the Little Rock visitor center

“The National Park Service is doing a great job in telling our story and keeping the nation informed about our journey," said Mrs. Mothershed-Wair, one of the members of the Little Rock Nine.

Mothershed-Wair arrives at the Little Rock visitor center

“The National Park Service is doing a great job in telling our story and keeping the nation informed about our journey," said Mrs. Mothershed-Wair, one of the members of the Little Rock Nine.
Eckford speaks of her experience at Little Rock Central High School in the 1950s.

“In places where there is a difficult past, the tendency is to avoid the subject,” Ms. Eckford said of the importance of preserving their story through the Little Rock Central High School National Historical Site. “But the presence of the National Historic site shows that some real historic research has been done and that some of the stories of the segregation in Little Rock have been told."

Eckford speaks of her experience at Little Rock Central High School in the 1950s.

“In places where there is a difficult past, the tendency is to avoid the subject,” Ms. Eckford said of the importance of preserving their story through the Little Rock Central High School National Historical Site. “But the presence of the National Historic site shows that some real historic research has been done and that some of the stories of the segregation in Little Rock have been told."
Jewell and Foxx hold a roundtable discussion

Jewell and Foxx hold a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the importance of preserving America’s history, including the struggle for civil rights, and how national parks act as economic engines for local communities.

Jewell and Foxx hold a roundtable discussion

Jewell and Foxx hold a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the importance of preserving America’s history, including the struggle for civil rights, and how national parks act as economic engines for local communities.
Jewell and Foxx tour visitor center exhibits at Little Rock

Jewell and Foxx learn about the history of Little Rock Central High School at the visitor center exhibits. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation designating the school and visitor center across the street as a National Historic Site. It is the only operating high school in the nation to receive such a designation.

Jewell and Foxx tour visitor center exhibits at Little Rock

Jewell and Foxx learn about the history of Little Rock Central High School at the visitor center exhibits. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation designating the school and visitor center across the street as a National Historic Site. It is the only operating high school in the nation to receive such a designation.
Secretary Jewell with Parks Service staff

Secretary Jewell (center) and Park Service staff stop for a photo at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

Secretary Jewell with Parks Service staff

Secretary Jewell (center) and Park Service staff stop for a photo at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.