Joshua Boles Named Superintendent of First State National Historical Park

News Release Date:
January 20, 2022

Contact:John Harlan Warren, 215-908-3159

New Castle, Delaware -- National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Gay Vietzke announced that Joshua Boles will serve as the new superintendent of First State National Historical Park in Delaware and Pennsylvania. He begins his new assignment February 27.

"Joshua Boles has extensive partnership experience working with a variety of stakeholders", said Regional Director Gay Vietzke. "As a newer unit of the NPS, First State continues to build relationships with partners and communities. Joshua's experience will deepen the park's ability to work with many people connected to the park."

"I am honored and humbled to be selected as the superintendent of First State National Historical Park," said Boles. "I am excited to work with the park's staff, partners, and the local communities to help tell the stories of this wonderful park."

A 15-year veteran of the NPS, Boles currently serves at Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida as chief of interpretation and education. Previously, he served in the same role at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Roger Williams National Memorial, and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. In 2018, he served as acting superintendent at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, where he collaborated with others to rebuild relationships with local Native American Tribes, including The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla and the Nez Perce. He has also served at Rock Creek Park, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, as well as several western NPS sites. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from San Diego State University. Boles and his wife Lorena look forward to bringing their two children, two dogs, and a well-fed cat to First State, where they plan to explore the local area and find new adventures.

First State National Historical Park explores the places, stories, and people that played a role in the settlement of the Delaware Valley, the founding of the nation, the testing of the U.S. Constitution, and the conservation of natural resources. The park is made up of six individual sites connected by the stories of the people who lived there and used these places. Famous as the first state to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that valued independence and tolerated diversity in religion and national origin.

-NPS-

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