California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special free State Historian Passport, offering unlimited access to over 30 state historic parks across California from Juneteenth through the end of 2026. This initiative, commemorating Juneteenth and the nation's 250th anniversary, aims to provide Californians with free opportunities to explore the state's "real, complex, and unfiltered history," contrasting with recent actions by the Trump administration regarding national parks.
The special edition Historian Passport, typically costing $50 annually, can be downloaded for free until Monday, July 6, 2026. Each pass grants entry for up to four people, facilitating widespread access to historical sites. Governor Newsom highlighted the state's commitment to historical transparency, saying, "California does not hide difficult truths or uncomfortable chapters of history; on the contrary, it embraces them and learns from them. While Trump ignores the past and tries to rewrite it, California commemorates this celebration of freedom by inviting all people to learn the history of our country — our true history — for free in our state parks."
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the initiative's alignment with the "Outdoors for All" program. "As part of our Outdoors for All initiative, we are creating even more opportunities for Californians to explore the natural beauty and rich history that defines our state," she said. "As we commemorate Juneteenth and the nation's 250th anniversary, this special free edition of the Historian Passport offers an excellent opportunity for California families to enjoy nature while deepening their knowledge of the extraordinary place we are proud to call home." Armando Quintero, Director of California State Parks, expressed pride in the state's commitment to diversity and connecting people with powerful historical narratives. The program is made possible through donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation.
The free pass provides access to significant sites like Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, a community founded and governed by African Americans, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where the California Gold Rush began. Other participating parks include Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, showcasing indigenous history, and Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park, preserving Chinese immigrant heritage. These sites are part of California State Parks' "Reexamining Our Past Initiative," which seeks to tell the complete story of California's formation. Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., President of the California Legislative Black Caucus, underscored the importance of expanding access, saying, "Juneteenth is a celebration of the African American community's freedom, resilience, and constant pursuit of equality. For generations, African Americans were excluded from public spaces and denied access to opportunities and experiences that others could enjoy. By expanding access to California's historic state parks for more families, we help ensure that public lands are places where all people can learn and benefit from them."
This special pass is the latest effort in California's broader commitment to making state parks accessible to all residents. The state already offers various free passes year-round, including the California State Library Parks Pass, California State Parks Adventure Pass for fourth graders, the Golden Bear Pass for qualifying low-income families and seniors, and the Distinguished Veteran Pass. Governor Newsom also announced the "State Parks Forward" initiative on Earth Day, an ambitious plan to create three new state parks and expand existing ones by over 30,000 acres before the decade ends, further solidifying California's investment in natural and cultural resources.