Steven Sims named superintendent of Independence National Historical Park

Steven Sims has been named the new superintendent of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, which includes Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. He is expected to begin his new position in mid-November.  

"Steve brings extensive park management and community engagement experience from several sites pivotal to our national heritage,” said National Park Service Northeast Deputy Regional Director Cinda Waldbuesser. “His experience working closely with the community and developing his staff as superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site will be essential as we head toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in 2026.”

“I am excited to begin my new role as the superintendent of Independence National Historical Park,” said Sims. “As a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier and former Army Officer, it is an honor to steward the stories, places, and artifacts that formed the bedrock of this nation. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, park partners, and the great city of Philadelphia to preserve and protect our nation’s historic resources and to educate the public about them.”

Sims has been the superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site since January 2020. His previous assignments include superintendent of Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, and the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. Sims has also previously worked in the National Park Service Northeast Regional Office, Independence National Historical Park and National Mall and Memorial Parks. Prior to Steve’s National Park Service career, he was an engineering consultant as well as an engineer and commissioned officer for the U.S. Army.

Sims holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Business Administration from Norwich University, and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri. He is also currently working on a graduate certificate in Environmental Policy from George Washington University.

Steve is originally from Tehachapi, California. He is married and has two children. His hobbies include hiking, gardening, fly fishing, and beekeeping.