Sunday Circle Talk at Ferry Hill Plantation Saving History in the National Park Service

Date: August 14, 2014
Contact: Ben Helwig, 301-582-0813

Sharpsburg, MD –The Chesapeake &Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) welcomes visitors to the Sunday Circle Talk at Ferry Hill Plantation (Ferry Hill Place) on Sunday August 17, 2014, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

During the discussion, Retired Park Superintendents Clark Dixon and Mike Watson will describe their experiences within the National Park Service, both from natural and cultural viewpoints, as well as how those areas are cornerstones of United States History.

"There are so many folks who have spent their careers protecting and preserving America's treasures in the National Park Service.Far too often, these great behind-the-scenes stories never get told, even when they constitute a history of their own.This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from two great public servants who have spent careers living history."

For 34 years, Clark Dixon served the National Park Service in several capacities, including a 10 year span as the Park Superintendent at Arkansas Post National Memorial and Morristown National Historical Park. Along with his work for the National Park Service, Dixon also formed a life-long passion for educating and working with youth about our natural surroundings.

Following 35 years with the National Park Service, which also included time as the Superintendent of the Stephen T. Mather Training Center, Mike Watson received the United States Department of the Interior Meritorious Service Award in 1998. In addition to his accolades, Watson represented the National Park Service during special international training and consultation programs concerning interpretation, park operations, and education.

The Sunday Circle Talks at Ferry Hill Plantation are free of charge, and visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for the event.

Ferry Hill is a 19th century plantation house overlooking the scenic C&O Canal NHP and is located on the Maryland side of the Potomac River Bridge from historic Shepherdstown, WV. Ferry Hill Place will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Labor Day from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Tours are offered every Saturday at 2:00pm. Ferry Hill Place is open free of charge.

For more information on Ferry Hill Plantation, please contact the C&O Canal NHP Williamsport Visitor Center at 301-582-0813 or visit www.nps.gov/choh.