Board & STaff

Meet our board members and Staff

"It is desirable that some large and easily accessible region of American soil should remain as far as possible in its primitive condition, at once a museum for the instruction of the students, a garden for the recreation of the lovers of nature, and an asylum where indigenous trees, plants and beasts may dwell and perpetuate their kind."

- George Perkins Marsh

"There is nothing so American as our National Parks... The fundamental idea behind the Parks...is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in the process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us."

- Franklin Roosevelt

"Few of us can hope to leave a poem or work of art to posterity; but working together or apart, we can yet save meadows, marshes, strips of seashore, and stream valleys as a green legacy for the centuries."

- Stuart Udall

"Our National Parks belong to each of us, and they are natural places to learn, exercise, volunteer, spend time with famil and friends, and enjoy the magnificent beauty of our great land."

- George W. Bush

Our Board Members

Friends of First State Inc. is a registered 501(c)3nonprofit organization in Delaware dedicated to supporting First State National Historical Park.

The Friends will work to build strong partnerships among individuals, businesses, organizations and agencies in support of the park and its mission, with a focus on programs, activities and projects of the Brandywine Valley Unit. The Friends will provide funding and services to enhance public use, engagement, community outreach, enjoyment and conservation of the park in concert with the National Park Service. Supporting activities may include fund raising, grant writing, special events, educational programs, volunteer support and other park related activities.

Board Members:

Blaine Philips Jr. (founding member)
Ann Rose (founding member)
Richie Jones (founding member)
Kathy Craven
Chief Dennis Coker
Diana McCarthy
Stewart Ramsey

Staff

Ed Camelli - Executive Director

As the National Park Service completes its initial planning documents, the Friends are committed to supporting the development of the park, it’s trails and amenities and related programs, leveraging the strong community support among park users, local businesses and nonprofit organizations in a true collaborative partnership model.