New leader takes reins at Wilson’s Creek

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is getting a new leader this fall.

Sarah Cunningham is scheduled to take on the superintendent role Sept. 27, according to a news release. She succeeds 16-year leader Ted Hillmer, who retired early this year.

“It is an incredible opportunity and privilege to join the park’s outstanding staff, volunteers, partners and the community in telling the diverse stories of the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater," Cunningham said in the release.

It's a return to the park and the area for Cunningham, who 15 years ago started her career as an interpretive park ranger at Wilson's Creek. She earned a bachelor's degree in history at Missouri State University.

She's currently serving as acting superintendent of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group in South Carolina. She also previously was acting superintendent of the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in North Carolina, according to the release.

“Sarah will be a great asset for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield with her broad understanding of park operations and leadership," National Park Service Regional Director Bert Frost said in the release.

Located in Republic, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first major battle of the Civil War in the west. The Confederates won the Aug. 10, 1861, battle.

Fundraising to expand the battlefield's visitor center was completed last year. The $4.5 million expansion and renovation project is scheduled to wrap up this fall, a spokesperson for the battlefield said.