Waterway to History and Culture: The History of Interpretation of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Abstract

This thesis explores the evolution of interpretation at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, using primary sources to examine the decisions made by park leadership between 1971 and 2019. The park expanded interpretive visitor centers and interpretive programs slowly. But, when a loss of staff due to budgetary constraints in the 2010s occurred, it had a direct impact on their ability to interpret the canal. Examining the decisions and outside forces which led to these problems reveal the difficulties in managing a 184 mile long park. I argue that a fixation on expansion caused a disregard for evolving the programs already in place, which meant that once issues arose there was no way to adapt quickly. This thesis contributes a detailed history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with suggestions to ensure a smooth recovery to the interpretive program.