Article

VIP Phyllis

Hampton National Historic Site, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

A picture of Phyllis near the Hampton sign.
NPS

Volunteering for the National Park Service is an honor. Hampton is all about the history of the United States and telling its story to visitors is quite gratifying.

Phyllis is one of Hampton’s volunteers! She is very passionate and knowledgable! From giving tours and being a part of Historic Hampton Inc, to being treasurer of the Women's Committee to always being willing to lend a helping hand! We are so grateful to have her on our team! We invited her to share her perspectives on the park:

Why did you start volunteering for the site?

I started volunteering at Hampton after I retired in 2018. Hampton has always held a very special place in my life (the tearoom, a wedding in the '70s - they're divorced but it was beautiful!) and by volunteering, I am able to share my enthusiasm for this Baltimore County treasure.

What does the NPS mission mean to you?

Being an interpreter at Hampton embodies the NPS mission of promoting the enjoyment, education and inspiration of the site. There is so much to tell about the Ridgelys , the property AND the enslaved people who created this legacy.

Why do you think people should volunteer for the National Park Service?

Volunteering for the National Park Service is an honor. Hampton is all about the history of the United States and telling its story to visitors is quite gratifying. The NPS continually educates its volunteers. Specifically at Hampton, new information is shared with us (the ethnographic study a few years ago, as an example).

What has been your most enjoyable experience volunteering for the National Park Service?

Since I started volunteering, there have been numerous enjoyable experiences in which I've participated at Hampton, including Holidays at Hampton and Harvest Day. As a board member of HHI, Treasurer of the Women's Committee and interpreter, it is a trifecta of involvement. Several years ago, I was fortunate to join Gregory Weidman when several descendants of the enslaved dairy and farmhands visited from Pennsylvania to see and learn about where their ancestors lived and worked.