Sanbornton Public Library receives grant to present ‘Rethinking the US National Parks’

SANBORNTON — The New Hampshire Humanities program, “Rethinking the U.S. National Parks,” will be presented by Dr. Abby Goode on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Sanbornton Public Library and is co-hosted by the Sanbornton Conservation Commission.

As stated by NH Humanities, in the famous words of Wallace Stegner, “national parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst." But are national parks truly “democratic?" Who has access to national parks and what kinds of fantasies do they serve? This interactive program explores the history of U.S. National Parks — as myths, symbols of democratic ideals, and colonial spaces — alongside today’s common national park activities. Why are visitation rates on the rise? What are others seeking at the national parks? What do the national park consumption habits tell people about themselves? How might they revise the preservation tradition that gave birth to the national parks to include their own neighborhoods and communities? The talk will consider these questions and others in the national context, but also in light of one's own state — home to the White Mountain National Forest, which attracts so many eager visitors every year.

Sanbornton Public Library is located at 27 Meetinghouse Hill Road. The program is accessible, free, and open to the public. Light refreshments will be offered.

Contact the library with any questions at 603-286-8288 or email SPLNHcirc@gmail.com.