John Hennessy is retiring. When I heard that last month I thought, I wish I had made that trip to Fredericksburg last year to hear him speak one last time on the subjects he know so well. I have only met this outstanding National Park Service historian twice, but I have been influenced by his work for a couple of decades. Through his books, his videoed speeches, and his social media, he has been a stellar apostle of real history. I am happy to hear that he will continue his historical research and educational efforts in retirement, though I am not sure how we will react to him when he is no longer in his Smokey Bear uniform.
For those of you not quite familiar with John, here is what Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park posted today to mark his last day of work:
Today, we are marking the end of an era at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. John Hennessy, our Chief of Interpretation, is retiring after 40 years with the National Park Service.
John began his career with the NPS as a seasonal employee at Manassas Battlefield. After working at the New York State Historic Preservation Office and Harpers Ferry Center, John joined the staff at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in 1995.
Since then John has been a critical advocate for excellence in the interpretation of the park story. John’s work has educated and inspired thousands of park visitors. He wrote many of our visitor center exhibits and interpretive signs and established many popular park programs such as the History at Sunset series. Over the years, John’s efforts have made the history on the ground come alive.
Though leaving the park, by his own words, John will not be leaving the world of public history, and we can expect much more from him to come in the future. Today, we wish John the best in his retirement!
Thanks to John for his service to the American people, white and Black and of all races, genders and religions, native-born and newcomers to America. I raise my parting glass to him today and we all honor him for his work and his example.
“I raise to you the parting glass, farewell and joy be with you John.” -Pat
