Junior Ranger Book From Arlington House Has Been Flagged for Review for Violating President's Directive

If you have ever been to a National Park with kids you will often find that the Rangers will introduce you children to the Junior Ranger Activity Book. These books introduce the park, ask questions that the children can learn the answer to by touring the grounds, and contain activities to help children learn about the history and the environment of the park. I have already posted about the exhibits at Arlington House, where Robert E. Lee’s home was, that are under review for removal, but I recently found out that the Junior Ranger book from the same site is also being reviewed. By the way, there are several adult books that are also under review.

The first page tells you how to earn a Junior Ranger Badge. It also explains what is slavery, what the Civil War is, and who Robert E. Lee was.

Next is a page where children are asked to use the exhibits at the North Enslaved People’s Quarters to match up with the names in the book.

On the next page, the text says that there was a Freedman’s Village located at Arlington. The text asks the child to draw a place where they feel safe.

Next, the book asks the children to involve their siblings and parents in talking about difficult topics.

The next page introduces the children to the family quilt.

The president’s Executive Order says that some of the National Parks harm the “United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.” The president says that proper history should “foster unity.” He writes that “Rather than fostering unity and a deeper understanding of our shared past, the widespread effort to rewrite history deepens societal divides and fosters a sense of national shame.” The president sketches out how the National Park Service should approach history:

“It is the policy of my Administration to restore Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing. ”