Pullman National Historical Park

10/15/2026

Today's Lunch & Learn, “A Grave of Stone and Iron,” has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. Apologies for the inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you for next month's edition!

10/09/2026

October marks 133 years since the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition closed, an event that helped launch Pullman onto the world stage.

The fair drew millions to Chicago and helped introduce the Town of Pullman. By 1893, Pullman had international attention as a planned industrial community. The area's architecture, urban design, and railcar manufacturing global visitation.

Located about 10 miles south of the fairgrounds, Pullman became a must‑see stop for fairgoers. Visitors wanted to see the experiment in industrial town planning for themselves. The Pullman Company also used the global audience to showcase its railroad cars and manufacturing success.

The Exposition’s spotlight helped make Pullman known worldwide as an ideal company town. Yet only a year later, the Pullman Strike and National Boycott of 1894 would seemingly rewrite public consciousness. People turned on a town that they so recently championed as a benchmark in urban planning.

It’s a reminder of how quickly reputations can change, and how complex the story of Pullman truly is.

Image Credit: Official Views of the World’s Columbian Exposition
Alt Text: Historic black-and-white photograph of the Court of Honor at Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. A large statue overlooks a lagoon surrounded by white neoclassical exhibition buildings, including a prominent domed structure in the distance, with boats traveling along the water.

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

It’s National Fire Prevention Week, and Pullman’s connection to fire prevention goes back more than a century.

Did you know that early Pullman sleeping cars were constructed largely of wood? The Pioneer, introduced in 1865, helped establish the luxurious style that would become synonymous with the Pullman name. Skilled craftsmen created elaborate Victorian inspired interiors, while wood construction helped provide the smooth, comfortable ride passengers expected from luxury rail travel.

But wooden railroad cars came with a serious risk: fire. Open flames from lamps, heating equipment, and cooking could make fires aboard wooden cars especially dangerous. By the turn of the 20th century, safety concerns, along with technological advances in railcar construction, were helping drive the industry toward steel.

In 1907, Pullman built the Jamestown, its first all-steel sleeping car, marking an important step toward safer passenger equipment. Steel construction reduced the amount of combustible material in the car's structure while also offering greater protection in case of accidents. Pullman soon became a major producer of steel passenger cars, helping usher in a new era of railroad travel.

During National Fire Prevention Week, Pullman’s transition from wood to steel reminds us how changing technology can make everyday life safer.

Image Credit: Pullman State Historic Site

Alt Text:

Image 1: Historic black-and-white side view of the Pioneer, an early Pullman sleeping car. The long wooden railcar features rows of tall windows, raised clerestory windows along the roof, and an oval “Pioneer” nameplate at its center.

Image 2: Historic black-and-white photograph of an ornate Pullman sleeping car interior featuring plush upholstered seats, decorative wood paneling, curtained sleeping berths, patterned carpeting, and hanging lamps along a narrow aisle.

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/03/2026

Just one week to go!

The 53rd Annual Historic Pullman House Tour is almost here! On October 10-11 step inside some of Pullman’s historic homes and discover the architecture, stories, and community that make this neighborhood so special.

While you’re exploring Pullman, be sure to stop by Pullman National Historical Park and learn more about the people and events that shaped this nationally significant community.

Learn more: https://friendsofpullman.com/event/2026-historic-pullman-house-tour/2026-10-10/

Alt Text: Visitors gather along a tree-lined sidewalk outside a row of historic red-brick Pullman homes with steep gabled roofs and decorative trim. American flags hang from several porches as people wait to tour the residences.
Image Credit: Friends of Pullman National Historical Park

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/25/2026

Open House Chicago is returning to Pullman!

We are excited to participate in the Chicago Architecture Center’s annual celebration of the city’s architecture and neighborhoods, Open House Chicago 2026 on October 17-18.

Make a day of your visit and explore several participating sites throughout the Pullman neighborhood. In addition to the NPS Visitor Center, you can discover more of the community’s history at these other sites:
-Pullman State Historic Site (610 E. 111th St. Chicago, IL 60628)
-The Florence Lowden Miller Historic Pullman Center (614 E. 113th St. Chicago, IL 60628)
-Greater Tabernacle Cathedral (11300 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Chicago, IL 60628)

From industry and architecture to labor, community, and faith, each site offers a different window into the stories that have shaped Pullman.

Come explore, ask questions, and experience historic Pullman during Open House Chicago 2026!

Alt Text: Graphic for Open House Chicago featuring the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago logos in teal, white, and red on a black background, with “2026 SITE” in large white text on a red banner below.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center

09/14/2026

The Pullman neighborhood stands as a living example of architectural innovation and labor history. But what can we learn from the buildings that no longer stand? Pullman’s “ghost buildings” reveal how early residents lived and worked, and how their efforts continue to shape the neighborhood today.

Learn about this and more at this month’s Lunch & Learn: Lost Structures, The Architectural Ghosts of Pullman.

Thursday, September 17
12:15 p.m.
Pullman National Historical Park

Bring your lunch and your curiosity as we uncover the stories of Pullman’s lost landscape!

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92422038830
No registration required!

Alt Text: Historic black-and-white photograph of the Pullman Arcade, a large ornate brick building with towers, arched windows, and decorative rooflines. Curving sidewalks, young trees, and open lawns surround the building, with industrial structures visible in the distance.
Image Credit: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

09/04/2026

Pullman National Historical Park will be open this Labor Day, and we invite you to spend the holiday exploring a place that played an important role in the history of American labor.

The Strike of 1894 brought national attention to the struggles of industrial workers and helped create the political urgency that led to federal recognition of Labor Day that same year. Pullman’s story extends far beyond the strike, offering opportunities to explore industrialization, company towns, organized labor, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and the generations of workers who shaped this community.

Join us on Labor Day for guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., plus craft activities throughout the day. Visit the park, check out our partners, explore Pullman’s history, and discover some of the stories behind the holiday.

Alt Text: A park ranger speaks to a group of visitors gathered along a walkway outside the historic red-brick Clock Tower and Administration Building at Pullman National Historical Park. A bright blue sky, green lawn, lampposts, and park signs surround the group.
Image Credit: NPS Image

09/03/2026

Step Inside Pullman History.

Celebrate the 53rd Annual Pullman House Tour and explore the architecture, history, and community that make Pullman one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods. This annual tradition offers a rare opportunity to step inside historic Pullman homes and see how residents have preserved and reimagined these unique spaces.

While you’re in the neighborhood, make a stop at Pullman National Historical Park to discover even more of the stories behind this historic community.

More Information: https://friendsofpullman.com/event/2026-historic-pullman-house-tour/2026-10-10/

Alt Text: A tree-lined sidewalk runs alongside a row of historic red-brick Pullman homes with steep gabled roofs. American flags hang from several porches, surrounded by green landscaping shrubs and trees with golden fall foliage under a bright blue sky.

Image Credit: NPS Image

08/31/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to spend the Labor Day? Celebrate the holiday at Pullman National Historical Park!

Explore the community where workers built the famous Pullman railcars, discover the stories of the people who lived and worked here, and learn about the Pullman Strike of 1894 and its connection to the federal recognition of Labor Day.

Walk through history, explore Pullman, and discover the stories behind the holiday.

Alt Text: A large group of visitors gathers outside a historic red-brick building at Pullman National Historical Park while a park ranger speaks to the crowd. The building’s tall windows, steep roof, and central clock tower stand against a partly cloudy blue sky.

Image Credit: NPS Image

08/28/2026

We're using a local hiring authority to recruit for a seasonal Maintenance Worker position fall through spring. If you live within 50 miles of the park and want to support the park and visitors, you may be qualified to apply. The announcement is open for FIVE days only. For details follow the link.

The primary purpose of the Maintenance Worker is to perform recurring building and/or utility maintenance and operation duties and to assist journeymen and other higher graded maintenance workers. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Seasonal Staffing Office-Pullman National Historical Park...