News Release

C&O Canal Selects New Chief of Interpretation

NPS Photo

Christiana Hanson, new C&O Canal Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers

News Release Date: April 28, 2020

Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park welcomes Christiana Hanson as the new Chief of Interpretation, Education and Volunteer Operations along the 184.5 mile national park. Ms. Hanson will oversee a team of park staff that manage public programs and visitor service operations spanning from Georgetown, in Washington D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, including a robust and active volunteer program.   

Ms. Hanson was selected for her strengths and prior experience in media communications and volunteer program management. Prior to joining the National Park Service, she worked at the National Archives and Records Administration as an Education Specialist focusing on in-exhibit educational experiences facilitated through a volunteer docent program. Her varied career background includes museum work at the county, state and national level, and experience working with a wide audience from preschoolers to lifelong learners.   

“I love history and have a passion for helping the public connect the past with their present,” Hanson said. “I am thrilled and honored to join the staff, volunteers, communities, and partners that work to preserve and interpret the C&O Canal. The reason I went into public history was because of the inspiration I found exploring historical sites. Now I hope to help inspire others through the incredibly diverse resources of the park.” 

Christiana holds a master’s degree in Museum Studies from the George Washington University and a bachelor of arts in history from Kalamazoo College in Michigan. Outside of visiting other museums, Christiana enjoys hiking, archery, rock climbing, and amateur photography.  

For more information about the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/choh