Permits & Reservations

NPS/Daryl Averill Jr.

Special Park Uses

A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
• requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Examples of activities that require a Special Use Permit at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park include filming and/or photography, special events, First Amendment activities, and scattering of ashes.

Filming & Still Photography Permits

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park follows National Park Service regulation and policy for filming and photography activity. For more detailed information on filming and photography on national park lands go to Filming & Still Photography Permits.

Special Event Permits

Special events include activities such as, sporting events, pageants, celebrations, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, festivals, and more. To receive consideration for a special event activity, there must be a meaningful association between the park area and the event, and the event contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park.

First Amendment Activities

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park supports the exercise of First Amendment rights in accordance with federal regulations (36 CFR § 2.51). “Demonstrations” include activities such as picketing, speechmaking, marching, vigils, and religious services—any expressive conduct likely to draw public attention.

Who Needs a Permit

You will need a permit for your demonstration if you meet any of the following:

• Group Size: If your group has 26 or more people participating in the activity.
• Location: If your group is demonstrating in multiple locations, or if you would like to demonstrate outside one of the designated locations (listed in the Superintendent's Compendium).
• Scheduling Conflicts: If your demonstration conflicts with permitted events, park programs, or other demonstrations.
• Equipment: If your demonstration involves anything more than hand-carried signs, a small table (max 24 sq feet), and two chairs, please contact us.

Who Does Not Need a Permit

You do not need a permit if you meet all the following:

• Group Size: If your group has 25 or fewer people participating in the activity.
• Location: If your group is demonstrating in a single, designated location within the park.
• Scheduling Conflicts: If your demonstration does not conflict with any permitted events, park programs, or other demonstrations.
• Equipment: Only hand-carried signs, a small table (max 24 sq feet), and two chairs are used.

How to Apply for a Permit

Fill out the correct form for the permit you would like to apply too and then send the form into e-mail us to apply for a permit at the park.

• Application for Special Event Permit
• Application for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Permit
• Application for Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials Permit

Contact the Penn Center for information about permits and reservations on the campus there.