Our Relationship

In February 2024, the National Park Service decided to terminate Georgetown Heritage’s Philanthropic Partnership Agreement after ten years. We were deeply disappointed that NPS chose to end a partnership that has returned a canal boat and educational programs to Georgetown, increased visitation to the park, and advanced a vision for a thriving recreational space in the heart of the city.  Our cooperative agreement with NPS remains in place, which allows Georgetown Heritage to operate the canal boat and deliver interpretive and educational programming. We are committed to maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with the NPS. 

Our resolve for achieving our mission has not been dampened. Since the termination, our organization has re-envisioned our mission to focus more broadly on conducting educational community programs around all of Georgetown’s rich history. We are excited to continue our canal boat program and expand beyond it with walking tours, events, and other new projects. We will continue to inform our supporters of our plans as we navigate this transition and look forward to sharing the history of this community with Washingtonians and visitors to our city in the years to come.  

For more information about our changed relationship with NPS, we invite you to read this public letter shared by our Board President, Jennifer Romm.