Support Your Park

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park encourages visitors to help preserve, protect, and enjoy the resources of the park. Various volunteer programs are available for the public to be very involved in park living history, maintenance, or ranger programs.

Bookstores are operated by our cooperating association America's National Parks.

 

NPS Partner

The C&O Canal Trust was founded in 2007 as the official nonprofit partner of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. As the Park's official “Friends Group,” the C&O Canal Trust is committed to raising funds and resources to provide a margin of excellence for the Park and to enhance the visitor experience. We provide opportunities for real and meaningful engagement to people of all ages, means, and abilities through philanthropy, volunteer opportunities, interpretive and education programs, and advocacy. We also play a leadership and supportive role in connecting the Park with its neighboring communities and other organizations throughout the region. Contact: [e-mail]

 

NPS Partner

The Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization founded in 1973. Its primary mission is to support the National Park Service at the C & O Canal National Historical Park in maintaining and preserving the Historic Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and its surrounding area. In addition, the Friends support ongoing preservation efforts of the C & O Canal and numerous historic structures along its entire length. This support is provided through both volunteer time and financial resources.

The Friends also hold social events to foster camaraderie and sharing of knowledge about the Historic Great Falls Tavern and the C&O Canal. These activities include an annual trip to a Canal-related historical location, a summer picnic with the C&O Canal Association, British-style pub quizzes, and an annual dinner with a presentation on some aspect of the Canal or local history. Contact: [e-mail]