Interpretive Park Ranger Michael SmithĀ can thank his mom for his job at the National Park ServiceĀ (NPS). While a sophomore at Tuskegee University,Ā she told Michael he had to find a summer internship because she would not let himĀ spend another summer playing video games at home. As luck would have it, a presentationĀ shortly thereafterĀ after by aĀ NPSĀ representative inspired Michael to apply forĀ a summer seasonal position. Following a stint along theĀ Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail,Ā where had the opportunity to meet figures and learn more aboutĀ some ofĀ Americaās most historic events while serving as an Interpretive Park Ranger, he arrived at his current park,Ā Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Ā
Today, Michael serves as coordinator of the Mountain Farm Museum,Ā devoting much of his time to cultural preservation āĀ ā IĀ am tasked with caring for nine historic structures and interpreting the history of the individuals that resettledĀ the areaĀ circa 1870.ā Ā One of his favorite places interpret that history is inside the Mountain Farm Museumās blacksmith shop. For Michael, demonstrating to visitors how metal is forged is āan activity where I feel creative andĀ utilitarian.āĀ

In addition to this work, Michael also greets visitors at the front desk of the visitorĀ center, he coordinates work on the farm, andĀ serves as a liaison for Mingus Mill, a historic mill dating to 1886 thatĀ still produces cornmeal to this day. Michael also has the task of catching the pigs on the farm,Ā one of the more entertaining aspects of his job. He acquired this task when the pigs were due to receive their deworming shot a few years back ā ārunning around in the muddy pig pen attracted many visitor spectators. When we finally caught them, the one to administer the shot froze, and the pig escaped.ā Since then, Michael has been the one to administer the medication.Ā

After 10 years with NPS, MichaelĀ appreciatesĀ that each day isĀ stillĀ a bit different,Ā andĀ he loves that he gets to interact with young people ā āit feels good to see that we can facilitate a visitorās connection with the resource, whether it be natural or cultural.āĀ
Behind every national park is a team of ordinary people dedicated to maintaining the extraordinary.Ā They maintain habitats, educate visitors, and preserve history. Theyāre volunteers, rangers, museum curators, engineers, architects, and more. Theyāre our Park Ambassadors ā linking us to these treasured places and all the stories they hold. Send thanks to an NPS employeeĀ or volunteer today.Ā Ā
The āNational Park AmbassadorsāĀ video series is produced by the National Park Foundation and its Find Your Park premier partners Budweiser,Ā HanesBrands, L.L.Bean, Nature Valley, Subaru of America and Union Pacific Railroad, with additional support fromĀ The Coca-Cola Company and Winnebago Industries.Ā