Fact Check: The National Parks Conservation Association believes the new signage is an attempt to whitewash history and contradicts scientific and historical facts vetted by experts at the National Park Service.

Fact Check: "The National Parks Conservation Association believes the new signage is an attempt to whitewash history and contradicts scientific and historical facts vetted by experts at the National Park Service."

What We Know

The National Park Service (NPS) has recently implemented a directive requiring parks to post signage that encourages visitors to report any information they find negative about American history or landscapes. This initiative stems from a memo issued by NPS comptroller Jessica Bowron, which was influenced by President Trump's executive order aimed at "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" (NPR). The signs ask for feedback on content that may "inappropriately disparages Americans past or living" and emphasize the "greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people" (NPR).

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting national parks, has publicly criticized this directive. NPCA CEO Theresa Pierno stated that the initiative poses a risk of rewriting history and undermines the educational mission of the NPS (NPCA). Pierno emphasized the importance of learning from history rather than erasing or altering it based on visitor preferences (NPCA).

Analysis

The NPCA's assertion that the new signage is an attempt to whitewash history is supported by the content and intent of the signage as described in the leaked memo. The signs explicitly request feedback on any "negative" portrayals of American history, which could lead to the suppression of important historical narratives that do not align with a sanitized version of history (NPR). This aligns with Pierno's concerns about the potential for historical facts to be altered or omitted based on public sentiment rather than scholarly consensus.

Moreover, the NPCA's position is bolstered by the broader context of the NPS's recent initiatives, which have been criticized for prioritizing a particular narrative over a comprehensive understanding of American history. The NPCA has previously raised alarms about the implications of such changes, suggesting they could undermine the integrity of historical interpretation within the parks (NPCA).

In evaluating the reliability of these sources, it is essential to note that the NPCA is a well-established organization focused on national park advocacy. Their critiques are grounded in a commitment to preserving the integrity of historical narratives. Conversely, the NPS's directive appears to be politically motivated, given its origins in an executive order that seeks to reshape public perceptions of American history (NPR).

Conclusion

The claim that the National Parks Conservation Association believes the new signage is an attempt to whitewash history and contradicts scientific and historical facts vetted by experts at the National Park Service is True. The NPCA's concerns are substantiated by the content of the signage and the potential implications for historical accuracy and education within national parks. The directive's focus on eliminating "negative" portrayals of history raises significant ethical questions about the responsibilities of the NPS in accurately representing America's complex past.

Sources

1. The 1988 General Superintendents Conference
2. New National Park Service signage asks public to flag ...
3. New Park Signs Undermine Rangers, Aim to Erase History
4. New Order Threatens Park Service's Efforts to Protect and ...
5. Signs at Bay Area national parks ask visitors to report any "negative" his…
6. National Park Service seeks informants to report ...
7. Parks in Crisis
8. Hands Off Our History