What role do you think that national historical parks, like this one, play within the national park system, which is perhaps better known for its role in conserving natural places?
Soskin's path to the National Park Service is unique, or as she says, "accidental." She didn't grow up going to national parks, and first became aware of plans for a waterfront national historical park in Richmond, California while working for a state assemblywoman in the 1990s.
Rosie the Riveter/Word War II Home Front National Historical Park was established in 2000, and though named after Rosie, an emblem of the working white woman whom Soskin doesn't identify with, Soskin's influence can be found throughout the park.
Usually these sites have a museum attached; some of them are prefectural or national historical parks on their own or parts of larger complexes.
Funding for the project was shared by the national government and the prefecture, and Shun Castle was included as part of a national historical park, ensuring a modicum of fiscal health for the project.
Boston African American National Historic Site, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, and Minute Man, Boston, and Lowell
national historical parks will be involved this summer.