For more than 51 years, the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern have been a cherished part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park community. From raising funds and recruiting volunteers to supporting restoration and programming at the Tavern at Great Falls, the Friends embody the spirit of stewardship that makes this park so special.
Founded in 1973, the Friends have helped preserve one of the C&O Canal’s most iconic sites, while building a community of canal supporters dedicated to caring for the park. As one of the park’s earliest philanthropic partners, a notable project was the construction of the Charles F. Mercer. In addition to support from outside organizations and the National Park Service, the Friends raised over $500,000 to fund this initiative, and, in 2006, the Charles F. Mercer was launched at Great Falls.
This year, the Friends’ Board of Directors has made the decision to dissolve as an independent nonprofit organization. Their mission and legacy, however, will live on through a new initiative of the C&O Canal Trust, the official philanthropic partner of the park.
“While the Friends’ chapter is closing, their story is not ending. The Trust is honored to carry forward their mission,” said Lauren Riviello, President & CEO of the Trust. The Trust will carry this work forward and launch the new Friends of Great Falls Tavern Initiative focused on fundraising for capital projects, volunteer stewardship, and community engagement at Great Falls.
“The Friends are proud of what we have accomplished together with the National Park Service, fellow partners, and the community. By entrusting our mission to the C&O Canal Trust, we are confident that the work we began will continue and grow,” said Linda Rieger, President of the Friends.
This transition ensures that the Friends’ legacy of over five decades of service will remain visible at Great Falls, while opening new opportunities for investment and engagement through the Trust’s programs.
“The Friends’ legacy is visible across the Great Falls area of the park. From care of the Tavern itself to the support of interpretive programming and community events,” said Don Harrison, Board Member and former President of the Friends. “The Trust will now continue our mission and ensure that generations of visitors experience the beauty, history, and stories of this special place.”
By bringing the Friends’ mission into its broader portfolio of stewardship and fundraising programs, the Trust will ensure continuity while building new opportunities to meet the needs of a growing park community. This new initiative will focus on preserving Great Falls as one of the park’s most iconic destinations — a place where history, nature, and recreation meet just minutes from the nation’s capital.
“The Friends’ contributions have left an indelible mark on the C&O Canal community and on the history of this park,” said Ed Wenschhof, Acting Superintendent of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
“As we celebrate their accomplishments, I also want to affirm our full support for the next chapter. This transition ensures continuity of stewardship, fundraising for capital projects, and expanded opportunities for volunteers. It is a powerful example of how organizations evolve, collaborate, and ultimately work together to strengthen the park they serve.”
As this transition takes shape, the Trust invites former members of the Friends, along with the entire park community, to join in this renewed effort. By contributing time, resources, and passion, supporters can continue the proud tradition begun by the Friends and help write the
next chapter in the story of Great Falls and build a future of strong stewardship.
“The Friends have left a legacy of extraordinary service and commitment,” said Riviello. “We are profoundly grateful for their dedication, and it is a privilege for the Trust to carry their mission forward. Together, with continued participation from Linda, Don, and other members of the Friends, the National Park Service, and our community of supporters, we will ensure that Great Falls continues to inspire visitors of all ages from all over the world for the next 50 years and beyond.
Photo credits: Jan Branscome, National Park Service, Nicholas Clements, Francis Grant-Suttie, Trust Staff, and Paul Graunke