We invite you to learn more and be a part of AAEF's exciting and innovative programs:

• America's Best Idea Grant Program

Congratulations to AAEF "America's Best Idea" Grant Recipients - The African Burial Ground, Brown v. Board of Education and Carter G. Woodson, are among the 35 national parks who received grants.  Inspired by The National Parks America's Best Idea, the National Park Foundation has established a new grant program to connect underrepresented audiences to their national parks. With generous support from Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund and the Popplestone Foundation, NPF awarded $500,000 to 35 national parks to develop outreach strategies and sustainable community partnerships.

• Fifth Annual Gala of The African American Experience Fund Honors Historian
Dr. John Hope Franklin

The late Dr. John Hope Franklin was honored for his commitment to our national parks at the annual gala of The African American Experience Fund, "Celebrating a Tradition of Excellence," held on April 15 at the Rainbow Room in New York.

Award winning journalist Gwen Ifill served as Mistress of Ceremonies, telling the audience that as Chairman of the National Park Advisory Board "Dr. Franklin understood and valued the role of our national parks in telling the whole American story and generously contributed his time and scholarship to ensure that our National Park Service remains true to that mission." Guests including former New York Mayor David Dinkins and Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett enjoyed the music of New York 's Jann Parker Quintet and responded warmly to reflections about Dr.  Franklin 's legacy given by AAEF Trustee, Ernest Green , the first black graduate of Little Rock Central High School and a member of the history making Little Rock Nine.

A highlight of the evening was an announcement by Mark Kornmann, Senior Vice President of Programs at The National Park Foundation of a grant of $100,000for funding training for teachers in AAEF parks to honor Dr. Franklin's vision of our national parks as classrooms.

Dr. Franklin's honor was accepted by his son John Whittington Franklin who shared touching recollections about his father and mother, Aurelia Whittington Franklin as well as memories from family adventures such as the cross country trip that took them to the Grand Canyon, Muir Woods, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Parks !

Proceeds from the event will help to fund education, volunteer and community engagement programs in AAEF designated national parks.



John Whittington Franklin accepting honor on
behalf of Dr. John Hope Franklin




President Barack Obama Senior Advisor,
Valerie Jarrett and Mayor David Dinkins



Mistress of Ceremonies, Gwen Ifill.



AAEF Trustee Ernest Green delivered touching
reflections on the legacy of Dr.  Franklin