Host Rex Carnegie interviews current and former national park rangers and other park experts to discover insights, get advice and hear amazing stories from our treasured natural and historic spaces.

Ranger Time

Historian and author Carter G. Woodson created "Negro History Week" in 1926. His home in Washington, DC is a national historical site.

The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site commemorates the life and work of Carter Godwin Woodson (1875–1950), an African-American historian, author and journalist who played a pivotal role in the development of Black history as a field of study. Born in Virginia to freed slaves, he worked as a coal miner and experienced firsthand the difficulties that African Americans faced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He went on to college and eventually became the first professionally trained African American historian, graduating from Harvard with a PhD in 1912. Woodson settled in Washington, D.C. in this Victorian rowhouse in 1922, became the Dean of Howard University, and wrote more than 25 books. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week, which eventually evolved into Black History Month. Today, the Carter G. Woodson Home pays tribute to his legacy by preserving his home and providing educational programming about his life and work.


Carter G. Woodson Home 

Where Did Black History Month Begin?

Former Ranger Phil Selleck recalls an incident with a visitor to the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. A giant chasm that was carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River, it's one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world. The park is located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, and there are many opportunities to learn about their history and culture. There are also many activities to enjoy at Grand Canyon National Park, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and more. Grand Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, so there's always something to do!


Grand Canyon

What NOT to do on the Kaibab Trail

The architecture is so stunning you might forget that this was a fort, fought over for generations. 

San Juan National Historic Site is a stunning example of 500 years of history come to life. It was first settled by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1508, and for centuries, various countries fought for control of this tiny yet strategic island. The fort has 20-foot-thick walls that were built to repel privateers, and Spain spent over 250 years fortifying the position. The architecture and design are simply beautiful. Today, San Juan National Historic Site is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the fascinating history of this unique place.

San Juan

Puerto Rico's Fort Gem

President Theodore Roosevelt's home at Sagamore Hill is a time machine that plunges you into his world, almost exactly as he left it.

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. The house is located in Cove Neck, New York, near Oyster Bay on the North Shore of Long Island, 25 miles east of Manhattan. Roosevelt lived in Sagamore Hill for more than 30 years and considered it his "home of homes. In addition to being the President's home, Sagamore Hill was also an important center of political activity. Roosevelt hosted many visitors there, including world leaders and dignitaries. He also held important meetings and conferences on site, such as the landmark 1906 Steamboat Springs Conference that helped to resolve the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt received the Nobel Peace Prize for these efforts. Today, Sagamore Hill is open to the public for tours and events. Visitors can explore the house and grounds, learn about Theodore Roosevelt's life and legacy, and take part in special programs throughout the year.

Sagamore Hill

See Where TR Lived and Worked

Does bear spray really work? Former Ranger Phil Selleck gives host Rex Carnegie advice for entering bear country. 

Glacier National Park is one of the most stunning places on earth. A true showcase of Mother Nature's grandeur, the park is home to melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Swiftcurrent Lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the world's greatest drives. Scenic boat tours are also a great way to take in the sights. For those who love to hike, the Grinnell Glacier is a must-see before it's gone forever. The Hidden Lake Trail is also a great option for those looking for some stunning photos. No matter what you choose to do, Glacier National Park is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Glacier

Ranger Time: Be Bear Aware

Springfield Armory is the second largest collection of historic firearms in the world.

Founded in 1777, Springfield Armory was America's first armory. For nearly two centuries, it supplied the U.S. Armed Forces with groundbreaking engineering and superior firearms. Today, Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates the critical role of the nation's first armory. It preserves and interprets the world's largest historic US military small arms collection, along with historic archives, buildings, and landscape. The site is a must-see for anyone interested in American history or military technology. Visitors can explore the armory's museum, which chronicles the evolution of small arms from the Revolutionary War to the present day. They can also take a self-guided tour of the buildings and grounds, which offer a unique glimpse into early American industrial architecture and engineering. 

Ranger Time

My Videos

My Parks

Where Did Black History Month Begin?

What NOT to do on the Kaibab Trail

Puerto Rico's Fort Gem

See Where TR Lived and Worked

Ranger Time: Be Bear Aware

Check Out the Army's Armory

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