Jefferson National Parks Association

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the stories of freedom, resilience and the pursuit of justice.

Across JNPA partner sites, these stories are preserved and shared – from the legal battles of Dred and Harriet Scott at the Gateway Arch National Park Old Courthouse, to the courage of nine students at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the founding of New Philadelphia (New Philadelphia Association) by Frank McWorter and more.

Today and every day, we honor those stories and voices, and recognize the responsibility to continue learning, sharing, and evolving.

School’s out for the summer – but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. 🚍🌲

Through the Every Kid Outdoors program, fourth graders can receive a free pass to explore more than 2,000 National Park Service public lands, waters and historic sites. It’s an engaging way for students to keep learning outside the classroom while discovering how these places shaped communities across the United States.

JNPA partner sites help connect students with history through educational programs and field trip experiences. June is Great Outdoors Month and an opportunity to help young learners discover the world!

🔗 Learn more about the Every Kid Outdoors program and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/kids/every-kid-outdoors.htm

A summer evening with a little electrified vintage country? Count us in! 🎸

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site welcomes Colonel Ford as the next band in its free “Concert at the Park” series. Featuring local legends Gary Hunt and Dade Farrar, the band blends classic country roots with a lively, modern edge.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and enjoy a free concert on the grounds of White Haven.

📅 Thursday, June 18 | 7 p.m.
🎟️ Free!
ℹ️ https://shorturl.at/b24CS

How about this for a summertime excursion? Experience the Mississippi River by canoe, boat, guided walk – or through interpretive stories told under the night sky at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area . 🌊 ✨

In 2025, the park offered downtown Minneapolis visitors a variety of unique programs, including a “River of Stars and Stories” workshop with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Earth to Sky and Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

🤝 JNPA also proudly supported the continuation of “River Cruises” at the park, helping make river experiences more accessible for visitors who may not be able to canoe or kayak. Nearly 200 visitors joined the cruises in 2025!

📊 🔗Learn more in our 2025 Impact Report: https://www.jnpa.com/715/what-we-do.htm

📸: NPS/Edwige Moses

During the week of Juneteenth, join The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation for a special night with St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium . ⚾

On Tuesday, June 16, the organization will host “Dred Scott/Oscar Charleston Night,” honoring Dred Scott’s legacy in the fight for freedom and Oscar Charleston’s impact as one of the greatest players in Negro Leagues history.

🎂 This year as the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, JNPA is proud to recognize the continued work of this organization’s leadership—including Lynne Jackson, Dred Scott’s great-great-granddaughter and a JNPA Board Member.

🎟️ Tickets are $25 for select sections and include a frameable souvenir ticket and anniversary rally towel.

💰 Supporters can also purchase tickets for youth and others who may not otherwise be able to attend.

🔗 Learn more and purchase tickets: https://dredscottlives.org/

⏲️❗Don’t miss the next “Iconic Conversations” program this Sunday, June 14, at the Old Courthouse!

Learn more: https://www.jnpa.com/751/speakers.htm

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

How did the residents of White Haven connect with the land back in the 1850s?

Find out this weekend at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site during a special summer open house and tour event with Historic Saint Louis. 👀🌳 Visitors can enjoy a self-guided garden tour, see today’s rain garden with native plants and flowers, and enjoy activities fun for all ages.

📅 Saturday, June 13 | 10 a.m.
ℹ️ For more information on the programs, call 314-842-1867, ext. 230.
🔗 Learn more: https://shorturl.at/YEApO

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