Stonewall Inn Could be the Next National Park

Advocates hope to convince the federal government to make Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and the surrounding streets a National Park site.

The recognition would allow the National Park Service to tell the story of Stonewall, and preserve the area.

"A national park doesn't have to have a physical location like a visitor center," said Cortney Worrall, the Senior Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association. "It can be a National Park where the stories are told there, there are partnerships between National Park Service with churches, organizations, schools."

If approved, Stonewall would become the nation's 412th National Park, joining other historic sites such as Gettysburg and Seneca Falls.

"I hope the younger generation learns about what Stonewall is about and [that it's] not just a bar," said Paolo Supnet, a bartender at Stonewall Inn.

With the legalization of gay marriage and this push for federal park recognition, Supnet hopes more people will learn about the history of Stonewall. "The younger generation doesn't really know what this place is about, but they're learning, which is great."

The plan still needs President Obama's approval. 

There's a public hearing Monday at 6:00 p.m. at PS 41, 116 West 11th Street, and public comments can be submitted here.