History

Our Story

Western National Parks Association’s story starts in 1938 to help visitors learn about and appreciate ancient Hohokam ruins in the Arizona desert.

Dale King, WNPA’s first executive secretary, clearly stated the importance of WNPA.

A word concerning the value of the association may not be amiss. When the organization was started the Executive Secretary understood but vaguely the real, active demand by the public for accurate informational material. He, and his colleagues, wished to satisfy that demand. But they did not realize…each good publication which is sold to a visitor constitutes a permanent “contact” which…is repeated and renewed with an unpredictable number of unknown persons in addition to the original buyer. We have received numerous mail requests from…persons who have never visited a park or monument. They wanted information because they became aware of it in another person’s library. Their interest was stimulated and aroused. Such lasting effects must be valuable. Surely this is interpretation, and good interpretation.

Dig Deeper Into WNPA History

• Read a detailed history by Arizona author Sue Lamb.
• Examine the archival record of early documents and photos kept at the University of Arizona. 
• Learn more about one of our founders, researcher, and scholar Emil W. Haury.

Prominent WNPA Board Members