You are here

Home » Historian David McCullough Given Park Service’s Highest Civilian Honor
Share

Historian David McCullough Given Park Service’s Highest Civilian Honor

Published Date

October 5, 2016
David McCullough

Historian David McCullough is now an honorary park ranger/Soldier Creek Associates

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough can add honorary park ranger to his list of accolades, joining the likes of filmmaker Ken Burns and former President Jimmy Carter, thanks to the National Park Service.

Mr. McCullough was presented the Honorary National Park Ranger Award, the highest civilian honor given by the agency, in a ceremony Tuesday on Boston Common. The award is reserved for individuals whose contributions to the Park Service are significant and sustained. He was also presented with the Saint-Gaudens Medal by the Saint-Gaudens Memorial, partner organization to Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in New Hampshire.

“Through his considerable and highly acclaimed work as an author and historian, Mr. McCullough has enlightened visitors to the shared history told at national park sites throughout the country,” Mike Caldwell, the Park Service’s Northeast Region director, said in a release. “It is my great honor to present him with the Honorary Park Ranger Award in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the NPS and to the generations of Americans who will continue to be inspired by his work to learn about and visit their national parks.”

Mr. McCullough, through his research and writing, as well as his personal contributions, long has been a supporter of national parks. McCullough’s historical interests have largely focused on important figures in U.S. history as well as significant American achievements, many of which have been preserved and interpreted in national parks. As a result, his highly acclaimed work has helped draw attention to the many historical parks and sites preserved by the Park Service.

“These awards recognize an outstanding career that has highlighted people and events responsible for shaping our nation,” Saint-Gaudens Memorial President Byron Bell said. “As has been delightfully illustrated in the case of the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, Mr. McCullough’s engaging narratives have benefited national park sites by spreading their message and mission far and wide.”

Mr. McCullough has narrated a variety of documentaries that focus on historical subjects. In particular, two films produced by Mr. Burns, The Civil War and The Statue of Liberty, focus on important national park stories and resources. McCullough is also generous with his time, speaking about his subjects at Park Service events and participating in book signings on behalf of national parks.

Mr. McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other acclaimed books include The Greater Journey, 1776, Brave Companions, The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, and The Wright Brothers. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.