Christopher Collins has been appointed as the new superintendent of New Philadelphia National Historic Site, with his tenure set to commence later this spring.
National Park Service (NPS) Midwest Regional Director Bert Frost announced Collins' appointment, stating, "I am pleased to name Chris as the first superintendent of New Philadelphia National Historic Site. He has a proven track record of being a great community steward and partner and is seasoned in developing new units of the National Park System into successful operations. These qualities make him well suited to set New Philadelphia up for a promising future and I know Chris is up for the challenge."
The New Philadelphia National Historic Site, located near Barry, Illinois, was established in December 2022 as a unit of the NPS. The site was once home to a community known as New Philadelphia, founded by Free Frank McWhorter. McWhorter was granted permission to work and earn income, which he used to secure freedom for his wife and children. He established the community on 42 acres of land, divided into 144 lots. By 1865, the population had grown to 100 residents, with Black individuals making up 30% of this number. By the 1950s, however, only one family remained in the town site. The site now holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Upon his appointment, Collins expressed enthusiasm about his new role: "I am looking forward to working with the community and our partners to tell the story of this extraordinary place and fulfill the enabling legislation that has made New Philadelphia possible. I am so impressed by the commitment of the surrounding community, including so many local advocates who have worked tirelessly to ensure the preservation of the special history that happened here."
Collins currently serves as superintendent at Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park in Missouri. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature, and History from Pittsburg State University, Kansas. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems.
