NATCHEZ – Kathleen McClain Jenkins’ love of history came from growing up in Vicksburg.

And it’s that love that landed her the job of superintendent of the Natchez National Historic Park.

&#8220Vicksburg is so steeped in history, so I grew up loving history and great stories,” said Jenkins. &#8220When I was growing up, the main roads were park roads, so I used to ride by and admire all of the monuments. And my Dad would tell me stories about the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the park during the Depression.”

As superintendent of the Natchez park, Jenkins is in charge of its three historic sites – Melrose Estate, the William Johnson House and Fort Rosalie.

&#8220We are thrilled to have Kathleen as the superintendent for Natchez,” said National Park Service Southeast Regional Director Pat Hooks in a news release. &#8220She already has tremendous experience with the park, and she has great energy and enthusiasm.”

&#8220I’m very excited about my new job – astonished really,” Jenkins said. &#8220Fortunately, I have some good role models. There are women superintendents in Vicksburg and in Louisiana. So when I’m around them, I just shut my mouth and listen.”

Her first feat as superintendent, Jenkins said, is to acquire a fourth historical site for the park, Forks of the Road, the site of the slave trade market in Natchez and acquire more land at Fort Rosalie, an outpost in the Natchez territory founded by the French in 1716 and one of three historical sites at the Natchez park.

Jenkins grew up on John Allen Street with her parents, Wilson and JoRuth McClain, and two siblings. Three years after she graduated from Vicksburg High in 1975, her parents moved to Edwards.

&#8220The guidance and education I received at Vicksburg High School really affected the direction of my career,” Jenkins said. &#8220The teachers were excellent, and the elective courses that were offered influenced my interest in art.”

Before coming on board at the Natchez park 13 years ago, Jenkins was a clerk for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and a teacher. Her jobs at the Natchez park have included museum technician, specialist, curator and resource manager.

&#8220That’s the reason I like being in a small park,” Jenkins said. &#8220Vicksburg’s park is a lot larger. Here I get to do a lot of things. I’m into planning; I get to work in the garden; I work with the tours and so many other things. There’s just never a dull moment.”

The Vicksburg National Military Park includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16-mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat and a National Cemetery.

Asked if she sees herself working in Vicksburg, Jenkins said, &#8220Who knows if I’ll ever end up at the Vicksburg park. I certainly want to work with them on some projects, even if I’m never employed there.”

Jenkins lives in Natchez with her husband of eight years, Dr. Edward Bond. She has a 25-year-old son, Buck Jenkins, who attends the University of Southern Mississippi.