Turkiya Lowe: The First Black and Female Chief Historian of the National Park Service
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the National Park Service as the first African American Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer have been instrumental in preserving important landmarks and historic sites. Her work has been significant not only for African Americans, but for all Americans who value cultural heritage and representation.
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Even today, African Americans continue to blaze new trails and make history in various fields. One example is Turkiya Lowe, the first Black and female Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer of the National Park Service (NPS). Her achievements in the field of history have made significant contributions to the preservation and representation of Black history.
Turkiya Lowe earned her Ph.D. in History in 2010 and has nearly two decades of experience working in the National Park Service. Before she was appointed Chief Historian in 2017, she served as the Southeast Region Chief Historian and Chief for the Southeast Region’s Cultural Resource Research and Science Branch. She oversaw the region-wide History and Cultural Anthropology Programs for 70 National Parks in nine states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her portfolio included assisting state and local governments, private organizations, and individual stewards in identifying, protecting, and preserving essential places through the National Historic Landmarks Program, the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Surplus Property Program, and other NPS community partnership programs.
Turkiya Lowe has contributed significantly to the NPS and the field of history. As the Southeast Region Chief Historian, she oversaw the development and implementation of numerous history programs, projects, and research initiatives. She also served as a subject matter expert on history projects undertaken within the National Park Service, such as administrative histories of specific parks and programs and national register of historic places nominations. Her facilitation responsibility includes forging formal and informal partnerships with professional historical associations, cultural resources management organizations, and independent scholars.
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the field of history have helped preserve and represent important aspects of Black history. Through her work in the National Park Service, she has ensured that historic places that are physical manifestations of past events are preserved for others to experience and enjoy. Her expertise has also helped create interpretive content and educational programs presented in parks, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the vital role that Black Americans played in shaping our nation's history.
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the preservation and representation of Black history are significant because they help address the lack of representation and visibility of Black Americans in historical narratives. Her work ensures that important aspects of Black history are preserved and celebrated, providing opportunities for Black Americans to connect with their past and gain a deeper understanding of their place in American history. Moreover, her appointment as the first Black and female Chief Historian of the National Park Service is a significant milestone that inspires and empowers future generations of Black historians and trailblazers.
Turkiya Lowe's achievements as the first Black and female Chief Historian of the National Park Service have paved the way for greater Black representation in the field of history. Her contributions have helped preserve and represent important aspects of Black history, providing opportunities for Black Americans to connect with their past and gain a deeper understanding of their place in American history. Turkiya Lowe is a trailblazer and an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Stephen Bishop - Respected Cave Guide
Stephen Bishop was a slave who gained worldwide recognition for his skills as an explorer and guide in Mammoth Cave. He was one of the first people to map the extensive cave system and he named many of the features that are still used today. Despite the racism and discrimination he faced during his lifetime, he persevered and became a celebrated figure in the world of cave exploration. Discover more about Stephen Bishop's remarkable life and legacy.
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As time passes, we must remember our history and those who stood before us. Today, I want to talk about one of those people – Stephen Bishop. Stephen Bishop was an African American slave who was tasked with the job of being a cave guide in the mid-19th century. He was known for his knowledge and expertise in exploring the Mammoth Cave system, now the primary attraction of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. If you have ever visited Mammoth Cave National Park, as I have multiple times, it is easy to see why this is so impressive.
Stephen Bishop was born into slavery in Kentucky in 1821. As with most slaves, Stephen was considered to be the property of his owner, Franklin Gorin. Gorgin, a lawyer, brought Stephen to the Mammoth Cave to serve as a cave guide for what he hoped to become a tourist attraction. Through his work, Stephen explored, discovered, and documented many parts of the cave we know about today.
Stephen Bishop became an expert on the Mammoth Cave system during his time as a guide and explorer. He was known for his knowledge and experience in navigating the complex and challenging underground system. This expertise allowed him to make important contributions to the field of cave exploration and to leave a lasting impact on the world. Even more impressive, Bishop did all his exploring with just a lantern.
Stephen Bishop (Courtesy of NPS.gov)
Stephen’s expertise did not go unnoticed during the 1800s. Stephen was sought out by scientists and geologists because of his vast knowledge of both the caves and his familiarity with geology and minerals. This gained him much respect in spite of his position in life.
Legacy
Stephen Bishop made many important discoveries and contributions to the field of cave exploration. He was a key figure in mapping and exploring the Mammoth Cave system, and his work helped bolster our understanding of this important natural resource. One of Stephen Bishop's greatest achievements was the discovery of the "Echo River" within the Mammoth Cave system. This was a significant finding that added to our understanding of the complex and intricate underground network of caves.
Stephen Bishop should be recognized and celebrated for his bravery, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles. The maps he created from memory served as accurate guides to the cave system even after modern machinery and mapping techniques were developed. Bishop’s time as a guide in Mammoth Cave led him to become an expert in his field during a time when he was seen as property by most rather than a man with great knowledge and expertise. His contributions deserve celebration not only due to his condition but because he personified everything we think of regarding exploration.