Established in 1916, the National Park Service is charged with caring for national parks, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating opportunities for children and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

The National Historic Landmarks Program is an initiative organized by the National Park Service to help it accomplish its goals. According to the National Park Service’s website, “National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction.”

You may recognize some of the more famous National Historic Landmarks:

White House

John Adams was the first president to occupy the White House. Since then, the building has undergone many renovations, expansions, and other alterations.

Alcatraz Island

For 29 years, Alcatraz Island was the site of a federal penitentiary that held some of the nation’s most infamous criminals. The island is also home to the first lighthouse built on the west coast of the United States.

USS Constitution

Originally launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval ship afloat. Today, “Old Ironsides,” as it’s nicknamed, is docked and open for visitors in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Apollo Mission Control Center

Many know this facility by its famous radio call sign, “Houston.” The building was home to the control center that assisted astronauts in various missions to space, including the Apollo missions.

Temple Square

The 35-acre Temple Square draws millions of visitors from all over the world because of its renowned research libraries, cultural activities, and historic buildings. The centerpiece of the square is the majestic Salt Lake Temple, which took 40 years to build. While the temple is not open to the public, visitors can enter the Salt Lake Tabernacle, which was built in 1867. The Tabernacle seats 2,900 people and hosts a variety of religious and community events. It has served for years as the home base of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Choir’s rehearsals are open to the public nearly every Thursday beginning at 7:30p.m. and on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. The Choir's weekly Music & the Spoken Word program is broadcast from the Tabernacle as well.