From 1968 until 1976, the National Park Service ran a popular public program series known as Summer in the Parks. Designed primarily to bring underserved African American youth and other diverse audiences into DC’s parklands, Summer in the Parks was free and occurred at sites around the city.

Join us for a virtual conversation exploring these programs. The event will feature a conversation with Noel López, Regional Cultural Anthropologist for NPS; Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott, a go-go performer and iconic DC musician; and Charles Stephenson, who was involved in the events. The conversation will be moderated by Kym Elder, Program Manager for Civil War Defenses of Washington with NPS