“Parks protect the land, but just as importantly, they protect the stories that shaped our nation.”
My good friend and semi-regular co-host Phil Gaines is back to about a big celebration coming up. You may know Phil as the retired director of South Carolina State Parks. He’s currently also deep into something incredibly meaningful. He is helping prepare for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.
The semiquincentennial celebration is also called the sestercentennial. Or as Phil simply puts it, “the 250th”. It is more than a historical milestone though. It’s an opportunity for parks across the country to step into a vital storytelling role. Phil shares his work with South Carolina’s 250th Commission and the American Battlefield Trust, shedding light on how parks can both protect and present the stories that shaped America.
Even if your park isn’t located in one of the original thirteen colonies, you still have a part to play. From the westward expansion to statehood and the preservation of sacred lands, there’s a story waiting to be told. Parks are not just places of recreation and conservation. They are keepers of memory.
If you haven’t already, start thinking about your park’s role in retelling history through compelling stories and people. Whether you’re in South Carolina or South Dakota, this milestone is for all of us.
Let’s explore how to make the 250th celebration unforgettable for our parks and for our nation.
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
Notable Moments
[02:30] Phil’s work with commissions and battlefield preservation
[04:02] Lexington and Concord: the shot heard around the world
[06:29] Parks’ role in preserving and retelling history
[09:30] Revolutionary stories from South Carolina
[11:30] Creating commissions across the U.S.
[13:00] The opportunity for storytelling and youth engagement
[17:11] Andrew Jackson’s teenage war story
[20:48] Importance of land preservation
[21:51] How every state can contribute to the celebration