Hello Community Partners,  

It is with mixed emotions that I’m writing to share some upcoming changes in leadership at Cane River Creole National Historical Park.  After serving as superintendent for Cane River Creole since 2016, I have accepted the permanent superintendent position at Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, effective September 10. As you know, I’ve been splitting my time between Vicksburg and Cane River Creole, and after two years on the road, I am looking forward to being settled in one place. However, it is difficult to leave Natchitoches and the Cane River community—an area that I have grown to love.  

I have enjoyed working and collaborating with you on a wide variety of projects over the past seven years, particularly seeing the restoration of the Texas & Pacific Railway Depot and the Magnolia Plantation boundary expansion come to fruition.  It was an honor to be able to represent the National Park Service here in Natchitoches and be part of such exciting opportunities to preserve African American history. Natchitoches is a great place to live, and you made my time here incredibly special.  

During this time of transition, the National Park Service will be actively searching for and involved in selecting a new superintendent for the park.  Given Cane River’s diverse multi-cultural history related to slavery and segregation, please know that the hiring process may take some time as we’re committed to find the right candidate. Because of this, there will likely be a series of acting superintendents that come and go in the upcoming months. As community partners, I value your ongoing support and collaboration, and I ask that you give the incoming superintendent(s) the same level of support you gave me.  

Thank you again for your partnership over the past seven years. 

With much appreciation,  

—

Carrie A. Mardorf

Superintendent

Vicksburg National Military Park (Acting)

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

---