It’s a big year for the National Park Service as the agency celebrates its centennial anniversary of its establishment in 1916. Here are three easy ways to keep the celebration and appreciation going!
THROUGH THE MAIL
Earlier this year in June, the United States Postal Service issued a panel of beautiful Forever stamps to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Assateague Island National Seashore that spans Maryland and Virginia was featured, as well as, Acadia National Park, Arches National Park, Bandelier National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Grand Canyon National Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Haleakalā National Park, Kenilworth Park &Aquatic Gardens, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Mount Rainier National Park, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Yellowstone National Park. So next time you’re at your local Post Office, be sure to ask for their National Park stamps!
IN YOUR POCKET
Since 2010, the United States Mint has released five quarters into circulation that feature America’s National Parks and historic sites and will continue to release new quarters through the year 2021 for a total of 56 unique designs. Fort McHenry was featured in 2013, so take a look in your pocket right now, you may just have one!
From the US Mint: The reverse design represents the site during the “Defenders Day” celebration, considered the centerpiece annual event held at Fort McHenry. The fireworks symbolize the “rocket’s red glare,” linking the fort to its historic past. Inscriptions are FORT McHENRY, MARYLAND, 2013 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
ON THE ROAD
Get out there and find your park in Maryland!
Maryland is fortunate to have a wide variety of parks and historic sites — from the sandy shores of Assatueague Island to Antietam Battlefield’s hallowed fields to the brackish waters of the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail. Maryland is truly ‘America in miniature’ and our national parks reflect the diversity of our state.
Check out the official National Park Service website for Maryland for a full list of our state’s national parks and hit the road!