Turkiya Lowe: The First Black and Female Chief Historian of the National Park Service
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Even today, African Americans continue to blaze new trails and make history in various fields. One example is Turkiya Lowe, the first Black and female Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer of the National Park Service (NPS). Her achievements in the field of history have made significant contributions to the preservation and representation of Black history.
Turkiya Lowe earned her Ph.D. in History in 2010 and has nearly two decades of experience working in the National Park Service. Before she was appointed Chief Historian in 2017, she served as the Southeast Region Chief Historian and Chief for the Southeast Region’s Cultural Resource Research and Science Branch. She oversaw the region-wide History and Cultural Anthropology Programs for 70 National Parks in nine states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her portfolio included assisting state and local governments, private organizations, and individual stewards in identifying, protecting, and preserving essential places through the National Historic Landmarks Program, the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Surplus Property Program, and other NPS community partnership programs.
Turkiya Lowe has contributed significantly to the NPS and the field of history. As the Southeast Region Chief Historian, she oversaw the development and implementation of numerous history programs, projects, and research initiatives. She also served as a subject matter expert on history projects undertaken within the National Park Service, such as administrative histories of specific parks and programs and national register of historic places nominations. Her facilitation responsibility includes forging formal and informal partnerships with professional historical associations, cultural resources management organizations, and independent scholars.
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the field of history have helped preserve and represent important aspects of Black history. Through her work in the National Park Service, she has ensured that historic places that are physical manifestations of past events are preserved for others to experience and enjoy. Her expertise has also helped create interpretive content and educational programs presented in parks, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the vital role that Black Americans played in shaping our nation's history.
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the preservation and representation of Black history are significant because they help address the lack of representation and visibility of Black Americans in historical narratives. Her work ensures that important aspects of Black history are preserved and celebrated, providing opportunities for Black Americans to connect with their past and gain a deeper understanding of their place in American history. Moreover, her appointment as the first Black and female Chief Historian of the National Park Service is a significant milestone that inspires and empowers future generations of Black historians and trailblazers.
Turkiya Lowe's achievements as the first Black and female Chief Historian of the National Park Service have paved the way for greater Black representation in the field of history. Her contributions have helped preserve and represent important aspects of Black history, providing opportunities for Black Americans to connect with their past and gain a deeper understanding of their place in American history. Turkiya Lowe is a trailblazer and an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
