The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) recently announced the appointment of Laura Waller to a new position, as stated in a news release this week. Currently serving as the natural and cultural resources division manager at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, Waller's journey with the NPS began during her graduate school days at Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah, Georgia. After working in the NPS Capital region, she returned to Fort Pulaski before moving to Michigan.
"It's a wonderful honor to be selected as superintendent of Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. I'm excited to work with park staff and partners to continue to tell the story of a time of such extraordinary transformation in the United States and preserve those places that tell that story in Beaufort and beyond," said Waller, according to the NPS release announcing her new role. Waller holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in history from Georgia Southern University’s Savannah-based Armstrong campus.
The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park was established in 2017, according to a Presidential Proclamation provided by the NPS. The proclamation details how formerly enslaved people began integrating into society in Beaufort County, South Carolina during what is known as the reconstruction era. It also highlights the Port Royal Experiment where Laura M. Towne and Ellen Murray arrived from Pennsylvania to teach.
Various properties were donated or granted an easement during this period including Brick Baptist Church and other sites listed on the historical register like Beaufort National Historic Landmark District. Then-President Barack Obama created the Reconstruction Era National Monument through a proclamation on Jan. 13, 2017.
"We are pleased to welcome Laura back to the southeast region and the Low Country. Her knowledge of American and South Carolina cultural heritage and experience forging meaningful partnerships will serve her well as superintendent for Reconstruction Era National Historical Park," said Mark Foust, NPS South Atlantic Gulf Regional Director, according to the NPS news release announcing Waller’s new position.
