The National Park Service announced on Thursday the addition of Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. The national network connects sites across the country that provide education, interpretation and research related to the period of Reconstruction. The Reconstruction Era (1861-1900) is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood periods in American History and includes stories of freedom, education and self-determination.

“The Reconstruction Era National Historic Network and the addition of these sites ensure that the National Park Service is telling the full American story,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “This network showcases resilience and I’m proud of how it has grown since its creation 5 years ago, with 114 sites nationwide.”

“These historic districts, parks, churches, digital programs, and sites of military emancipation tell a broader story of Reconstruction,” said Park Superintendent Laura Waller. “The Reconstruction Era National Historic network provides opportunities for visitors to connect to our diverse history.”

Six other sites joined the network alongside FFNHA, including Africatown Historic District near Mobile, Alabama; Old Cahawba Archaeological Park in Orville, Alabama; Lowndesboro First Missionary Baptist Church in central Alabama; St. John’s AME Church in Norfolk, Virginia; the Campground Historic District in Mobile, Alabama; and the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge near Adams Run, South Carolina.

The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act outlined the creation of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network in 2019. This network, managed by Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, includes over 100 sites and programs affiliated with the Reconstruction Era. Thursday’s announcement builds on the significant investments to honor Black history at the federal level during the last four years.

For more information about the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, visit nps.gov/subjects/reconstruction/network.htm.

For more information about Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, visit nps.gov/reer or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/ReconstructionNPS.