News Release

Independence National Historical Park Chief of Interpretation and Education Leslie Obleschuk Eases into Retirement

Leslie Obleschuk

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 19, 2023

Contact: Andrew McDougall, 215-435-4372

PHILADELPHIA – Leslie Obleschuk, stepped away from her chief of Interpretation and Education (I&E) position at Independence National Historical Park, on July 1, 2023 beginning a period of phased retirement with the park. As Leslie stated, “It’s been both an honor and a privilege to serve the National Park Service for almost 43 years. The team at INDE is fabulously talented and dedicated and I’m grateful to be part of it. I’m also proud of my role in helping to lay the groundwork for the park’s commemoration of the nation’s founding in 2026.” 

Prior to serving as chief of I&E, Obleschuk served as the park’s public affairs officer. She started her career at Independence National Historical Park as a seasonal ranger in 1980. Over her long public service career, Obleschuk served as chief of interpretation and education at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Mass. and as chief of education at Lowell National Historical Park in Lowell, Mass. Her service in the NPS also included assignments at Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site (Philadelphia), Adams National Historical Park (Quincy, Mass.), Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Springfield, Mass.), John F. Kennedy National Historic Site (Brookline, Mass.), Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site (Cambridge, Mass.), Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site (Brookline, Mass.), the NPS Regional Office (Philadelphia), and Valley Forge National Historical Park (Valley Forge, PA.). She received her bachelor’s degree in history and education from West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Mass.

“Leslie has come full circle at INDE. People who know and love her cannot believe it’s been over 40 years! We’re grateful for her contributions here and at many other sites. Leslie is the consummate professional- always bringing solutions and looking out for the entire park and it’s people. We’re so fortunate to get to continue learning and working with her as I&E manager emeritus for the next few months,” said INDE Interim Superintendent Amnesty Kochanowski.

Leslie is looking forward to her return home to Massachusetts, where she and her husband are active in Boston’s Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and to be with family, especially her newly arrived granddaughter. She can look back with pride on her 43 years of service, not just to the American people and park visitors. Whether in Public Affairs, Interpretation and Education, the regional interpretive skills team, or special restoration and exhibit projects, Leslie has mentored, guided, and inspired so many of her colleagues and employees through the years with her tireless energy, her vision, and her commitment to NPS mission. 

 

www.nps.gov/inde

Celebrating 75 years: Our history is America's history. A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park was created 75 years ago by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia’s Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. Events, programs and special exhibits which celebrate our 75^th Anniversary will be held throughout the year. For more information on our 75^th Anniversary events, visit the park’s website, http://www.nps.gov/inde or follow us on social media by searching @IndependenceNHP.