News Release

Manhattan Project National Historical Park selects site manager for Los Alamos, New Mexico

Tom Smith

NPS

News Release Date: September 13, 2023

Contact: Wendy Berhman, Superintendent, 720-765-8046

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. – Manhattan Project National Historical Park selected Tom Smith as the first permanent site manager of Manhattan Project National Historical Park’s Los Alamos site. The National Historical Park consists of three sites in Los Alamos, New Mexico; Hanford, Washington; and Oak Ridge Tennessee. The position will report to the park superintendent and will oversee the staff and operations at Los Alamos. Smith will begin his new assignment on September 18.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park was established in 2015 to commemorate the complex collection of stories around the ushering in of the nuclear age, creating the atomic bomb, and culminating when the United States dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan—forever changing the world.

“Smith brings a balance of leadership, creativity and collaboration skills to the position,” said Superintendent Wendy Berhman. “His proven ability to find positive and creative solutions will be an important asset as we continue to work with the Department of Energy to manage access, ensure preservation of park resources and provide visitors with a variety of interpretation and educational opportunities. Tom’s experience in meaningful engagement and bringing people together will be instrumental in working with Tribes, community partners, and stakeholders.”

While earning his bachelor’s degree in American History from the University of Northern Colorado, Smith began his NPS career as a seasonal Interpretive ranger at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Since then, he has worked at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. He most recently served as education specialist for Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

“Manhattan Project National Historical Park staff are custodians of one of the most transformative events of the 20th century,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with the park’s great staff and with the many diverse groups of people who share in this complex story.”

Joining Smith in Los Alamos will be his wife Helen, their toddler Gus and their two dogs. Helen is also a NPS employee, working remotely for the National Park Service’s Midwest Regional Office.