How Shenandoah National Park came to be can be understood by watching the park's web-based program, "The Spirit of the Mountain"/NPS

National park histories are a fascinating aspect of the National Park System, one that might not be fully appreciated during a park vacation. At Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, a web-based program has been launched to explain both how the park came about and the impact the park has on its surrounding communities.

Though designed for teachers, The Spirit of the Mountain program is easily consumed by park lovers of any age.

“We are excited to offer this additional method for the public to understand the complex story of the park’s establishment and to present this content in way that allows teachers across the country to use our story to teach important concepts in their Social Studies classes,” said Shenandoah Superintendent Jennifer Flynn. "The curriculum aligns with state and national standards for history, government, civics, economics, and geography for middle and high school students. The program is also appropriate for the general public and will be used in a variety of park programs."

The launch is the culmination of a two-year project led by the park’s education division and largely shaped by local government teachers, Ginny Browne of Page County High School in Shenandoah, Virginia, and Kim Dean of East Rockingham High School in Elkton, Virginia. Ms. Dean brought a special perspective to the project; she is a descendent of several residents of the area that became Shenandoah National Park who were displaced by its creation.

“The establishment of the park, with all its accomplishments and heartaches is a story influenced by time and place," Ms. Dean said. "Through this program, we can better understand the perspectives, opinions, and motivations of all those who influenced and were impacted. We cannot ignore the spirit of those who once called the majestic Blue Ridge home. We cannot change the past; however, we must embrace history and move forward on the common ground we share.”

The Spirit of the Mountain was funded through fee revenue and donations to The Shenandoah National Park Trust. It includes numerous historic photos, primary documents, and video oral histories of displaced residents and descendants. You can find the program at this page.