Last year was a year of accomplishments, challenges, and growth in Pullman, both big and small. Children experiencing history through the eyes of park rangers and visits to the park from families of Pullman Porters showed us just how powerful national parks can be to connect and inspire.
- We stabilized Market Hall, the center of Pullman life more than a century ago, preparing it for a vibrant future.
- We took the first big step of bringing Pullman-built railcars back to the site with the acquisition and move of the GLEN AYR, a luxury railcar built in 1928.
- We added a record number of new members and supporters to work with us in protecting Pullman National Historical Park.
This year we experienced tremendous challenges as National Park Service staff was cut, and a government shut down ensued that closed the visitor center and furloughed our rangers for more than a month during prime tour season. Our volunteers answered the call, helping to provide tours for school groups and hundreds of other visitors.
The beginning of 2026 brings some great news to share as we change our name and enter the year with new leadership. After more than a year of research and reflection, the Board of Directors voted to change our name from Historic Pullman Foundation to Friends of Pullman National Historical Park, better aligning with our mission:
“To preserve and protect the cultural heritage at Pullman National Historical Park and to amplify its uniquely American stories for current and future generations.”
We are honored to be the official philanthropic partner of the National Park Service at Pullman, and we wear our new name with pride.
Our new Executive Director, Peggy Parfenoff, is ready to lead the Friends of Pullman into a bright future. Coming from a remarkable career promoting citizen diplomacy in cooperation with the U.S. State Department, Peggy will head up the realization of our new strategic plan, which is focused on three top priorities:
- Protect Pullman National Historical Park’s cultural assets.
- Amplify the Pullman stories and enhance the visitor experience, and
- Advocate for and promote our national park.
We are delighted to be working with our new leader in support of this great national park.
All our work in Pullman National Historical Park, we do with your support as a partner, volunteer, donor, and lover of national parks. We look forward to a great year of change and growth, inspiration and collaboration.
Read more about our plan for the future
