My Park Story: Mike Twardy

Mike and his son Jordan at Saratoga NHP

Mike Twardy

My road to the National Park Service- Park Guide Michael Twardy

I have been with the National Park Service as an intern, volunteer and Park Guide since 2003. Many have asked what brought me to the NPS? I have been interested in American History since I was a kid. My mother has said the first books I brought home from the school library as a kindergartener were Civil War and American Revolutionary War books. After I graduated from high school, I went to the local community college. My goal was to become a sports announcer and a professional bowler, which never were fully realized, but that’s okay. History was put on the backburner, as I worked in many jobs including working at a warehouse. After I got married, I traveled with my wife, son and my mother-in-law going to many historical sites renewing my interest in history. To make a long story short, the warehouse job was hard work. I was beating up my body and complaining to my wife about working there. I started talking about going back to school for a history degree. Apparently, my wife had enough, and she said, “either go back to school or be quiet.” It was the best thing she could have said to me at the time. At age 37 I went back to school. I continued working at the warehouse but went to school full time and interned at Saratoga National Historical Park for 8 hours every Saturday during the summer and fall of that year. In 2004, I volunteered every Saturday at Saratoga, accompanied by my son, who volunteered as well, showing kids how to play 18^th century games. At age 40 I received my bachelor’s degree in American History. In 2005 I was hired as a seasonal park guide at Saratoga and went back for more education eventually getting a master’s degree in the Civil War. I was on my way to a career in the National Park Service!

Mike with the Clinton Presidential Library Volunteers

NPS

After 2 years at Saratoga National Historical Park, circumstances led me to a new time period in American History, away from battlefields and to the Gilded Age, The Great Depression and WW II. I was hired at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt NHS in 2007 as a seasonal Park Guide. By 2010 I was at a crossroads. I wanted to have a permanent NPS job, which was not a sure thing. Finally in July 2010 I was offered a permanent position. My hard work had paid off! I have had many highlights during my career and met many people from around the world, as well as the everyday visitor while working for the NPS.

Mike at Saratoga NHP

NPS

The first story was in 2005 while working at Saratoga. I gave a program at the Visitor Center. At the end, this gentleman gave me a card and said anytime you want a tour of the White House just call this number. That was in May. Well, I found that card in late August and decided to call the number. A woman answered and said, “White House operator, how can I help you.” That blew me away. I told her who I was, and she said, “we were expecting your call.” I took my wife and son to Washington DC and had a great tour of the White House and the Capital building. I was extremely grateful for that experience.

Mike at the Great NY State Fair

NPS

While working at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt sites, I got to know many of the Roosevelt grandchildren and listened to their stories about their grandfather and grandmother. I have been trusted by Park Management to give tours to many actors and world and national dignitaries, which has always been a wonderful experience. One of the actors that I met was Stephen Lang. I gave him a tour at Vanderbilt Mansion and then next day at the FDR Home. He played a role in a film that I have seen 100 times. When I told him that I knew most of those lines by heart, he asked me to quote from the movie. After I quoted my favorite scene, he gave me a strange look, but enjoyed my passion for history.

Mike, Y.L. Lin Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic of Tiawan, David Roosevelt at Val-Kill

NPS

I have also met many foreign dignitaries. I gave a tour at Val Kill to Y. L. Lin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan. In 2013 I met President of Ghana John Mahama and his Minister of Education. I spoke with her about the differences in our two countries approach to education. Speaking of education, I was honored to be filmed talking about Eleanor Roosevelt and her legacy through the National Parks Expedition Challenge. The program focused on inspiring young students through a glimpse of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and her belief that everyone has value, and everyone has a voice.

Mike and Doris Mack

NPS

I also met and became great friends with NPS Volunteer, Doris Mack who knew Eleanor Roosevelt. I am truly humbled and blessed that I can teach the value of learning from the past through history to the many visitors that come everyday to our parks. If people leave being inspired or they just enjoyed their day. I have done my job. I am truly blessed to have made lifelong friends within the NPS family that I will treasure forever. This journey all began because my wife was honest one day and I will be forever grateful for that.