NPS Director Visits San Juan NHS

Director Fran Maniella practice the trade of applying stucco as it was done 300 years ago

Picture taken by: Felix Lopez

Date: June 8, 2005 After a tour of the training facility where park maintenance employees are trained in 18th century, lime-based masonry techniques, Director Fran Mainella rolled up her sleeves and with the assistance of Park Facility Manager Edwin Colon, practiced the trade of applying stucco as it was done 300 years ago.

Puerto Rico’s elected resident commissioner asked Director Mainella to tour San Juan National Historic Site with him to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the historic fortifications and the issues facing park operations including preservation maintenance. Afterwards she toured the fortifications, examining recently completed maintenance backlog projects, including the restored Devil’s Sentry Box. The director’s visit included a joint press conference with the resident commissioner and twelve members of the Puerto Rico press corps to discuss future funded preservation projects that will help reduce the maintenance backlog at the park.