C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Tina Cappetta retires from the National Park Service. Photo courtesy of NPS.
In June, the C&O Canal Trust’s Board of Directors and staff gathered to celebrate C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Tina Cappetta’s retirement from the National Park Service after a 37-year career of service.
“After 37 years of working in America’s most treasured places with some of its finest public servants, I’m hanging up my ranger hat for good. I’m ending on a career high – working with the partnership of the C&O Canal Trust and a top-notch park management team led by Ed Wenschhof.”
Cappetta’s tenure as Superintendent of the C&O Canal began in January 2020, following nine years as Superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site, and Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. Over her 37-year National Park Service career, she held positions in 10 parks around the nation, including at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in upstate New York, where she also served as Superintendent. From 2002 to 2004, Cappetta served as Chief of Resources Management at the C&O Canal.
Cappetta’s leadership brought numerous accomplishments to the C&O Canal. From celebrating the park’s 50th anniversary in 2021 and overseeing the opening of the park’s new headquarters in Williamsport, to championing towpath rehabilitation and major preservation and infrastructure improvements like McMahon’s Mill and the Log Wall, Cappetta and the park’s management team advanced care and stewardship of resources for current visitors and future generations.
“Tina has been a tremendous partner serving as the park’s Superintendent. I admire her steady, resource-focused, and staff-supportive leadership and have been very fortunate to work closely with and learn from her throughout my time with the Trust,” said Lauren Riviello, C&O Canal Trust President & CEO. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the park’s management team under the leadership of Acting Superintendent Ed Wenschhof as we work to accomplish our goals and grow our support for this incredible park.”
Acting Superintendent Edward “Ed” Wenschhof was named Deputy Superintendent of the C&O Canal in the Summer of 2024, previously serving as the Chief of Visitor and Resource Protection. He has also held acting superintendent roles at Antietam National Battlefield, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Catoctin Mountain Park, and Gettysburg National Military Park.
“Ed’s a well-respected leader who has dedicated his career to public service,” Cappetta said. “His wealth and depth of experience, coupled with his knowledge of the C&O Canal and its challenges and opportunities, make him uniquely suited to serve.”
On behalf of our canal community, the Trust extends gratitude and deep appreciation to Tina for her nearly four decades of service to protecting and preserving our treasured public lands. We celebrate her collaboration and partnership with our board, staff, donors, volunteers, and numerous others who love and care for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
Images by Francis Grant-Suttie and Trust Staff
