Women of the National Park Service

NPS History is Women's History!

Women have a long history with the National Park Service. We have come a long way from the early years of the NPS when women were excluded from service, or relegated to "appropriate" jobs. Now, women can be found serving in jobs across the NPS, from working directly with the public, doing research out in the field, and behind the scenes.

We hope you enjoy this collection of stories introducing you to a few of the Women of the National Park Service.

Collage of five images of women wearing different NPS uniforms.
Dressing the Part

Do the clothes makes the ranger? Explore the NPS History Collection's new portfolio to learn about the history of women and the NPS uniform.

NPS Women, Yesterday and Today

  • Two women in long skirts dance on a rock outcrop high above the ground
    Historic Women of the NPS

    Women have long been involved with the history of the NPS. Here you can explore the stories of some of these historic women.

  • A park ranger in uniform stands in front of a landscape
    Working with the Public

    Find out about NPS women who work with the public as park rangers, law enforcement, bus drivers, and interpreters.

  • A woman takes notes about a wildfire
    Out in the Field

    If you look beyond the areas the public usually visits, you will find lots of NPS women working in the field.

  • Three people work on the side of a pathway, water in the background
    Interns, Artists, Volunteers, and More

    The women of the NPS are not just employees. Read about our interns, fellows, volunteers, Junior Rangers, artists-in-residence, and more.

  • A woman in a hard hat smiles into the camera
    Behind the Scenes

    There is a lot of work that goes on "behind the scenes" in the NPS. Meet women who work in archives, project management, maintenance, etc.

  • A woman in uniform holding a child
    Women Veterans

    The NPS employs thousands of active-duty military and veterans in a wide array of careers. Meet some of these women here.

Discover More Stories of Women in the NPS

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    Last updated: January 31, 2022

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