On October 21, 2026, the National Park Service celebrated the selection of Edward “Ed” Wenschhof as the Superintendent of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. His position was made effective October 18, 2026.
Wenschhof has an extensive understanding of the C&O Canal, as he previously served the park as the acting Deputy Superintendent in 2024. He has also held multiple positions in the C&O Canal such as Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Visitor and resource protection since joining the park in 2013.
“We are delighted that Ed has been recognized for his long service in the National Park System and his leadership here in the C&O Canal National Historical Park,” stated Lauren Riviello, the President and CEO of the Trust. “Ed has been a steady, committed leader for the park throughout the past year in his acting role, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him as he assumes the well-deserved role of Superintendent.”
National Park Service members, volunteers, partners and community members gathered at Carderock Recreation Area this October to officially welcome Superintendent Wenschhof into his role.
Jennifer Nersesian, the Regional Director for the National Capitol Region shared that Wenschhof understands the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal thoroughly and has shown a vast commitment to protecting and serving the park.
“He’s fought wildfires, led teams through weather emergencies, and worked alongside sister agencies, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners to accomplish what no organization could achieve alone,”Nersesian said.
Wenschhof is a longtime member of the National Park Service. He began his National Park Service career in 1984 at Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. He later served at Antietam National Battlefield, where his responsibilities included natural resource management and law enforcement.
Kevin Lilly, the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks with the Department of Interior expressed his extensive gratitude to the National Park Service and the work that they do to preserve American history.
“I say often that the National Park Service is the salvation of the American soul,” said Secretary Lilly. “You [Ed Wenschhof] have chosen to step up, and the National Park Service has chosen you to step up for a great responsibility in our nation’s capital visited by millions of people.”
Superintendent Wenschhof shared that he is honored to lead the C&O Canal.
“To be entrusted with the leadership of the C&O Canal is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said C&O Canal Superintendent Wenschhof. “Generations of people have worked to protect this remarkable place. Today, it brings communities together and offers millions of visitors opportunities to experience history, recreation and connection. I am grateful to our employees, volunteers, partners and supporters, and I look forward to serving alongside them.”
The C&O Canal Trust and the National Park Service are proud to welcome Ed Wenschhof as the Superintendent of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. As the park’s official nonprofit partner, the Trust is looking forward to working with Ed in his official new role as Superintendent.
As Assistant Secretary Kevin Lilly put it, “the Trust means so much and within the National Park Service, we cannot function without you. You are an integral part, not just symbolically with the public-private partnership, but realistically.”
Superintendent Ed Wenschhof’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Trust, as the organization enters its 20th anniversary year in 2027. The Trust is looking forward to building on the accomplishments of the last two decades alongside new park leadership. It is the perfect time to strengthen and build the Trust’s impact for the preservation of the C&O Canal with Superintendent Wenschhof at its helm.
“As the Trust enters our 20th year as an essential philanthropic and operational partner to the National Park Service, we remain dedicated to our mission in support of this park and its treasured resources,” said Riviello. “Through our strong partnership with the NPS, Ed and his team, and our canal community, we will continue to grow support and ensure the C&O Canal’s legacy endures today and for the future.”
Photo Credits: Trust Staff