Watch: The woman who broke barriers in Rock Creek Park leadership, and other park history panels

Rock Creek Conservancy has been co-hosting a series of fascinating virtual panels on the history and people of the park. The latest, on July 27th, featured three women who have served as the park’s superintendents over the decades.

Says the Conservancy: “Georgia Ellard became the first Black woman to serve in this highest position of national park administration in 1983, breaking barriers and setting a clear path forward for others in the National Park Service, and the National Capital Region more specifically. Other women have joined the ranks serving as superintendents in the time since, supporting the park’s vision to protect the bountiful natural and cultural beauty of Rock Creek.”

Other previous panels of local note focused on Melvin Hazen:

And the Black operator of the former Peirce Mill tea house:

The Hattie Sewell Project – a partnership between Howard University, Friends of Peirce Mill, and National Park Service – will culminate in the September 10th premiere of a short film. Stay tuned for details on that.