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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (NHP&P) is comprised of six sites.  These sites are spread over a large area across south Louisiana so it is essential to plan out your trip carefully.  We visited in January 2020 but currently most of the sites are closed or with limited access because of Covid-19 restrictions.

In this episode, we describe the six different sites that comprise the NHP&P but also speak to Ranger Briana to learn about the history and context of the NPS unit as well as the history of the people.  She also explains the story behind the park’s namesake, Jean Lafitte.  We also attend a talk presented by a volunteer which focuses on the pre-Civil War economy and history of the South; the false narratives that justified the horrific institution of slavery; and the unique cultural influences of New Orleans.

This month’s Organization feature is the Memorial Foundation which helped to build the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. The MLK Memorial is the 395th unit in the National Park Service and is the first memorial to an African-American on or near the National Mall.

The Memorial Foundation aspires to a world in which the memorial serves as a beacon that inspires people around the globe to apply the principles of democracy, justice, hope, and love. They continue Dr. King’s work through Global Youth Leadership Conferences and programs at the Memorial.

Follow @thememorialfoundation on Instagram to learn more about their organization and scheduled events.

We would love your feedback.  Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or message us on our social media accounts: @ExpeditionNationalParks on Facebook and Instagram and @ExpeditionNPS on Twitter.  Thanks to Jason Shaw for the music.  And, as always, follow the inspiration of the Junior Ranger motto - keep exploring, learning, and protecting!

Episode Highlights:

00:37 Introduction, overview of six NHP units
02:29 Ranger Briana, background of site
05:55 Short history of Acadian people
10:14  Creole description
11:05  Who was Jean Lafitte
14:32 Organization Feature
15:37  South’s false arguments in support of slavery
18:18  South’s economic destruction post-Civil War
20:55  Indigenous African influence on New Orleans
21:51 Unique culinary and musical aspects of New Orleans
22:33  Immigration from Haiti
25:10 Origin of Mardi Gras Indian
28:14  Farewell

Donate to Memorial Foundation: bit.ly/MemFdnDonate

Fun from Home - Activities from Kids: bit.ly/FunfHome