Cultural and Historic Sounds

The primary mission for many National Parks is to protect the resources and values related to the culture, ethnic heritage, and history of a group or a place. Many locations in National Parks are significant because of the meaning, memories, and experiences that people associate with them. Cultural resources associated with many of these places include tangible materials, such as structures and artifacts, as well as intangible aspects of cultural expression: oral traditions, music, and community rituals. Visitors to the cultural and historic resources within the National Park system want to better understand and embrace America's heritage in a direct and personally meaningful way. Section 5.3.1.7, Cultural Soundscape Management, of the 2006 Management Policies, requires that we restore and manage cultural soundscapes.

An appropriate soundscape is an important element in how we experience the cultural and historic resources in the National Parks. Visitors want to immerse themselves in the historic time period or cultural expressions associated with a site. Unwanted or inappropriate sounds can detract from the overall enjoyment of their experience. Park units that contains historic or cultural resources should replicate to the greatest extent possible an acoustic environment that is appropriate for the resource.

Click on the images below to hear some of the cultural and historic sounds from the National Parks.