2024 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Nilreign Johnson, an Auburn, Alabama native and graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, served as a Historic Interpreter at Manassas National Battlefield Park through the HBCUI Internship Program in 2024.
With interests in urban planning, urban management, and landscape design, Nilreign brought a unique perspective to the interpretation of historic landscapes and cultural resources. Prior to his internship at Manassas National Battlefield Park, he gained valuable experience through previous opportunities with the National Park Service, strengthening his interest in public history and visitor engagement.
During his internship, Nilreign worked with park staff to help connect visitors to the history and significance of Manassas National Battlefield Park through interpretation, research, and public engagement. He contributed to educational initiatives that encouraged visitors to explore the stories, events, and landscapes that shaped the park’s history.
Through this experience, Nilreign expanded his understanding of historic preservation, interpretation, and public service while developing skills that complement his long-term interests in the built environment, planning, and design. His internship reinforced the importance of preserving historic places and creating meaningful visitor experiences that connect people to the nation’s shared heritage.
Education & Experience
Education
Tuskegee University
NPS SITE
Manassas National Battlefield Park
POSITION
Historic Interpreter
Poster Presentation – Career & Leadership Workshop
Pictured above, Nilreign Johnson presents his internship project during the 2024 HBCUI Career and Leadership Workshop at the Department of the Interior. Through an interactive poster presentation, he shared the interpretive and educational work he completed at Manassas National Battlefield Park, highlighting how public history, storytelling, and visitor engagement help connect audiences to significant historical landscapes and events.
HBCUI Certificate of Completion
Pictured l-to-r Candice Price of SODAS Life Inc., Nilreign Johnson, Wayne Hubbard of SODAS Life Inc., and Ernestine M. White National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, National Park Service (NPS).
Internship in Action
The image above highlights Nilreign Johnson’s experience as a Historic Interpreter at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Throughout his internship, he worked alongside National Park Service staff to support visitor engagement, historical interpretation, and educational programming while gaining firsthand experience in preserving and sharing the stories that define America’s historic landscapes.
