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City leaders, National Park Service, and DOE mark milestone with ceremony at Conference Center
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — The City of Oak Ridge marked a major milestone Thursday afternoon, hosting a special ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
The event, held at the Oak Ridge Conference Center, brought together community leaders, federal partners, and residents to reflect on the city’s unique role in history.
Established in 2015, the park preserves and interprets the people, places, science, and events that shaped the Manhattan Project during World War II. Oak Ridge is one of three primary sites included in the park, alongside locations in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Hanford, Washington.
During the ceremony, attendees recognized the lasting impact of Oak Ridge’s contributions to one of the most significant scientific efforts in history, while also highlighting continued efforts to preserve and share that legacy with future generations.
The event also served as a welcome to new park superintendent Amy Cole. Based in Denver, Cole brings more than 30 years of experience in historic preservation and previously worked with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, where she helped advocate for the park’s creation.
As part of the reception, the City of Oak Ridge unveiled exhibit panels showcasing the city’s World War II heritage. The displays were developed in partnership with Explore Oak Ridge and highlight key moments from the Secret City’s past.
City officials say the anniversary is not only a time to reflect, but also an opportunity to continue telling Oak Ridge’s story to a broader audience.
