The Moccasin Bend Lecture Series, presented by Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park, begins its 11th year on Monday, Sept. 12, in a new location, The Camp House.
Leading off the three-part series is Fran P. Mainella, who was director of the National Park Service when Moccasin Bend was added to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in 2003. Her topic is “The 100th Birthday of America’s Best Idea.”
Mainella served nearly six years as NPS director, the first woman in the position. She is a nationally known speaker on women in leadership, nature deficit disorder and parks and recreation.
Still to come in the series are Dr. Stephen R. Miller on “The Sound of Music in Cades Cove,” an exploration of nature, natural parks and shape-note singing, on Monday, Oct. 3; and “Ten Little-Known Facts About the Civil War in Chattanooga” by attorney, historian and author Sam D. Elliott on Monday, Nov. 14.
If you go
› What: Fran P. Mainella in Moccasin Bend Lecture Series.› When: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12; doors open at 6:30 p.m.› Where: The Camp House, 149 E. M.L. King Blvd. (free parking on the surface lot across Lindsay Street).› Admission: Free.› Phone: 423-322-5014.› Website: www.moccasinbendpark.org.Save the dateStill to come in the Moccasin Bend Lecture Series:› Oct. 3: “The Sound of Music in Cades Cove” by Dr. Stephen R. Miller› Nov. 14: “Ten Little-Known Facts About the Civil War in Chattanooga” by Sam D. Elliott
About the speaker
Among Fran P. Mainella’s career accomplishments:› Was 16th director of the National Park Service and the first woman in the role.› Was a visiting scholar at Clemson University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.› Served 12 years as director of Florida’s state parks, which received a Gold Medal Award as the nation’s best state park system, given by the National Sporting Goods Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.› Has served terms as president of both the National Recreation and Park Association (1996-97) and the National Association of State Park Directors (1997-99).› Has written numerous articles and contributed to books such as National Geographic’s “10 Best of Everything Parks.”› Holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree and honorary doctorate from Central Connecticut State College.Sources: Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park, Clemson University