History
Our Story
Western National Parks' story starts in 1938, helping visitors learn about and appreciate the ancient structures and cultural sites in the Arizona desert, engineered and built by the ancestral Sonoran Desert peoples. WNP, as one of the first ever cooperating associations, quickly became a vital funding source to help the National Park Service better serve visitors at Casa Grande Ruins and 17 other national monuments.
It first provided publications funded by donors to educate visitors. In subsequent decades, WNP additionally raised funds through retail sales, partnerships, memberships, and events.
Today, its efforts support many programs and initiatives that enhance visitor understanding and experiences at 70+ national parks: scientific research, aid for partner park projects, community outreach, and educational programs.
Dale King, WNP’s first executive secretary, clearly stated the importance of WNP.
The value of a cooperating association is deep and exponential, and Dale King, WNP's first executive secretary understood this. Each publication sold to a visitor not only raises funds for parks, he recognized, but also creates a lasting connection to the park. When someone understands the cultural and natural history of the lands they visit, their appreciation deepens. They become more than visitors. They become stewards and lifelong park enthusiasts. And they can share that love with other special people in their lives.
1 of
Our History
Throughout our history, WNP has focused on enhancing the national park experience for visitors today and tomorrow.
1938 - Southwest Monuments Association (SWMA) is founded
It is headquartered at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Arizona, to support 18 Southwest monuments. SWMA publishes its first book, The Guide to Southwestern National Monuments, which remains in print today as one of WNPA’s most popular books.
1943 - Moves to the Santa Fe, New Mexico, National Park Service regional office.
This consolidation of the National Park Service (NPS) regional office is a cost-saving measure.
1952 - Moves to Gila Pueblo in Globe, Arizona.
SWMA forms partnerships with more national park sites.
1967 - Begins operations of historic Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona.
SWMA establishes an agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) to take over operations in order to preserve Hubbell Trading Post.
1960 - Late 1960s Reincorporates into Southwest Parks and Monuments.
This reflects new partnerships with other NPS sites other than national monuments.
1974 - Moves to Globe, Arizona.
SPMA occupies its own facilities and supports more than 37 partner parks.
1984 - Moves headquarters to Tucson, Arizona.
SPMA opens a small sales outlet, The Bookshop.
1988 - Celebrates 50th anniversary.
SPMA supports 48 partner parks and runs an award-winning publishing program and grant program that funds scientific research in national parks.
1993 - Hits $10 million mark in aid to parks since founding.
2002 - Reincorporates as Western National Parks Association and moves headquarters.
Its current Oro Valley, Arizona, home includes The National Parks Store, WNP starts accepting online orders to help support 62 partner national parks in 11 states. Donations to NPS top $2 million a year.
2011 - Becomes a major sponsor of the Tucson Festival of Books.
The National Park Experience Pavilion presents authors and introduces national parks in the event that draws over 100,000 visitors a year.
2018 - Celebrates 80th anniversary.
WNP partners with 71 national parks, operates 81 park stores and earns more than $16 million in annual gross revenue.
2021 - Updates its online store.
The retooled Western National Parks Store online makes it easier to find gifts, books, educational toys, and other merchandise.
2025 - Rebrands as Western National Parks (WNP).
Dig deeper into WNP 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 WNP board members
Edward B. Danson, a key player in establishing the Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site.
Dr. Emil Haury, an iconic figure in Southwestern archaeology and a WNP founding member.
Ernie Quintana, National Park Service’s first Hispanic regional director
Gerard Baker, National Park Service’s highest ranking Native American (Mandan-Hidatsa).
Karen Wade, a 40-year National Park Service employee who supervised five parks.
Stewart L. Udall, former US Secretary of State.
1 of
