Robert Stanton (1940– ) was the 15th Director of the National Park Service (NPS) and the first Black American to hold the position, serving from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Stanton earned a degree in recreation and park administration from Huston–Tillotson University. His NPS career began in 1962 as a seasonal ranger at Grand Teton National Park.
Over nearly four decades, Stanton rose through the ranks, serving as superintendent of National Capital Parks–East and later as NPS regional director for the National Capital Region. As Director, he worked to expand diversity within the NPS workforce, improve community outreach, and elevate the recognition of sites significant to Black American history, including the designation of several national monuments and historic sites. Stanton’s leadership helped lay the foundation for a more inclusive interpretation of public lands, ensuring the NPS better reflects the full American story.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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