Inspired to delve into the realm of history by his junior high school history teacher, Gary Thomas Scott most recently served as the chief historian of the National Capital Region of the National Park Service in Washington, DC, for 17 years between 1995 and 2012. Prior to this revered appointment, he served the National Park Service in other capacities, including as a regional historian from 1982 to 1995 and an architectural historian from 1976 to 1982. Citing the highlight of his career to be when he was an assistant to the clerk of the works of the Washington National Cathedral from 1971 to 1975, he recalls working with stain glass artists and stonemasons who were building the cathedral. He was enthralled with the notion that he contributed to the structure of the beautiful structure.
At the inception of his career, Mr. Scott served as a history instructor at Tusculum University in Greeneville, TN, as well as Herringswell Manor High School in the United Kingdom. Alongside his primary endeavors, he served the West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in Sussex, England, as the North American representative on architectural conservation of historic buildings, as well as the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, as a lecturer and tour leader. The current representative of the National Park Service for the D.C. Bicentennial since 1991, he also contributes his expertise to the Historical Society of Washington, DC, the Southern Historical Association, the American Friends of Attingham, and the Preservation Roundtable.
In light of his outstanding contributions to the industry, Mr. Scott received the Distinguished Public Service Award and D.C. Mayor’s Historical Preservation Award from the Kappa Alpha Order in 1988 and 2005, respectively. A native of Wichita Falls, TX, he was born on March 9, 1944 and enjoys collecting books and antiques in his spare time. He currently resides in Washington, DC.
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