WASHINGTON, D.C.— From the very beginning, this nation has been tied to its oceans, lakes, and rivers. They are the borders that have kept us safe and the waterways of exploration and commerce. The sea-going challenge has been taken up by generations of American’s, past and present. As a nation we first ventured to sea to seek new beginnings and in the exploration of a new continent, and as a nation we achieved greatness through boldness and mastery of our oceans, lakes and rivers. How much do you know about the Maritime History of this nation? What better way to learn about our Maritime History than by visiting a national park. The National Park Service (NPS) has the honor of preserving and managing numerous areas that commemorate Maritime History. Our Maritime History is celebrated in areas as diverse as Boston National Historical Park in Massachusetts, Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina, Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California, and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in Massachusetts.

“I invite everyone to explore the wealth of maritime history preserved in the National Park System and learn about the exceptional research projects conducted by the National Park Service,” said Fran Mainella, Director of the National Park Service. “The struggles, ideals, and accomplishments of this nation can be found in our Maritime History and celebrated throughout the National Park System.”

The National Park Service has developed and made available a web site to help visitors learn about NPS sites they can visit to gain an understanding of the Maritime History of this nation and the preservation efforts and research conducted by the National Park Service. By visiting the From Sea to Shining Sea:Celebrate Maritime History and Preservation in the National Park System website at: http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/maritime/celebrate.htm people can learn of the many special places managed by the NPS that celebrate and commemorate Maritime History. In addition to a list of parks, the web site includes information and web links to books and documents related to the theme of the Presidency, an overview and list of several related national park sites, and presidential trivia.

The National Park Service acknowledges the assistance of the Naval Historical Center in the preparation of this web site.