For more than 50 years, we have been helping people enjoy, learn about and support America's national parks, public lands, and historic places. Based in St.
You can also follow us on Instagram @JeffersonNationalParks. Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA) is a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Louis, Missouri, we support visitor education, heritage preservation, and cultural programs at 11 public lands and historic sites in the nation’s heartland. JNPA-supported visitor centers, park retai
06/04/2026
Next Saturday, June 13, hear from travel journalist and author Bill Clevlen about his latest book, “Presidential Road Trips – 100 Places to Explore and Experience the History of American Presidents” at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site . 🗣️
Bill will highlight several Grant-related sites that are “must-sees” for any road trip. 🚗
📅 Saturday, June 13 | 10 a.m.
🔗 Learn more: https://shorturl.at/vGnu2
06/04/2026
Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year – teeing up the next speaker for our “Iconic Conversations” series!
Join JNPA and Gateway Arch National Park at the Old Courthouse on Sunday, June 14, to hear from award-winning author and playwright Cheryl Eichar Jett. Her presentation “Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66” will take a closer look at some of the women who helped shape the 2,448-mile “Mother Road.”
We look forward to seeing you there!
📆 Sunday, June 14 | 2 p.m.
📌 Old Courthouse
🎟️ Free and open to the public
Learn more: https://shorturl.at/RDQpm
06/02/2026
History often lives in the smallest details. 🔔
Inscribed with “Julia Dent Grant 1900,” this silver bell offers a personal glimpse into the life of the former first lady beyond the public roles she held.
The artifact is on loan from Julia’s great-great-grandson, Ulysses Grant Dietz, and is now on display at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Find it at the site’s new exhibit honoring Julia’s 200-year legacy. 🏡
🔗Learn more before you go: https://shorturl.at/ebpcI
06/02/2026
When you visit Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park , it’s easy to see why Travel + Leisure calls its hometown one of the “most interesting” in the Midwest. 🍷🧭
Known for its French Colonial roots, historic homes, wineries, and art, Ste. Geneviève offers plenty of charm—and plenty more to explore.
We’re proud to partner with the park in this town, helping create memorable visits. 💚
📰 Read the full scoop: https://shorturl.at/NwbER
05/29/2026
Get ready — the 22nd Annual Marvin J and Thomas Leo Likes Lecture Series kicks off next week!
This year’s theme, “Community, Cooperation and Shared Purpose,” explores powerful stories connected to abolition, freedom suits, the United States Colored Troops, New Philadelphia families, and genealogy research.
Topics include:
▪️ John Wood and abolition in Illinois
▪️ Freedom Suits in St. Louis
▪️ The United States Colored Troops and the Civil War
▪️ New Philadelphia neighbors and family histories
▪️ Tips and resources for descendants researching their roots
The free Zoom lecture series begins Tuesday, June 2 at 7 PM Central and continues each Tuesday in June. Registration is required.
We hope you’ll join us for another incredible season of learning, conversation, and connection.
To register, go to: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MMoQiFeIT6mM3d5sDiBGIA
05/28/2026
🚐 The Arch Store To-Go trailer is back for the summer at Gateway Arch National Park!
Operated by JNPA, the trailer offers a convenient way for visitors to purchase Gateway Arch merchandise and souvenirs right outside the park’s entrance. (And entry to the park is free if you want to visit the full store!)
🕰️ Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
❤️ Proceeds support educational programs and experiences at the park.
05/27/2026
This Saturday, learn about “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman” from John Marselak and David Nolen at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. 🔎
📅 Saturday, May 30
⏱️ 10 a.m.
Learn more: https://shorturl.at/Tq37R
05/25/2026
Today, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
As we head into summer, partner sites like Gateway Arch National Park begin extended hours, offering more time to visit and explore.
Happy Memorial Day from JNPA.
📸: Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Preserving history goes beyond what you see on the surface. 🎥 Hear from JNPA’s Kat Terry, Gateway Arch National Park (GANP) archivist, on how the park’s Research Center helps protect and share the thousands of documents, photographs, and records that preserve the park’s story.
JNPA’s ongoing support–including funding for the archivist position and contributions to the Research Center–helps ensure this archival work remains accessible for researchers, students, and the public.
Learn more and plan a visit: https://shorturl.at/Bx9Z1
05/21/2026
A new exhibit honoring the 200-year legacy of Julia Dent Grant opens tomorrow at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site! 👇
On Friday, May 22, the site will host a special opening, including a lecture by historian and curator Nick Sacco, that explores Julia’s life through personal artifacts. Visitors attending this opening will be among the first to experience this fascinating collection.
📆 May 22 | 10 a.m.
👉 Find more details and how to make reservations: https://shorturl.at/hbMjV