The Bridge - From zoo to Liberty Bell

How do you go from being a zookeeper to the keeper of the Liberty Bell? Ask Gina Gilliam ’83. The new public affairs officer at Independence National Historical Park—which includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, attracting more than 4.3 million visitors annually—performs a host of duties.

Various events, which can range from large wedding photo shoots to military ceremonies, are held at the park. It’s Gilliam’s job to manage all of them. In addition to hosting events, the park also has celebrations of its own, such as Flag Day. This year happens to be the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service, which will include a Founders’ Day event, plaque dedication and concert.

Gilliam is in charge of the event logistics—writing speeches, taking photos, communicating with the media, checking the sound system and even figuring out how many chairs are needed. It’s a group effort.

“I’m part of a great team of public affairs and events experts,” said Gilliam. “There is help from other parks and areas of the agency for very large events.”

Although she’s been on the job only a few months, her goal is always to provide information and to help. The oddest inquiry so far? A member of the media once called to ask her if parts of the park were haunted. (Gilliam says they are not.)

After graduating with a degree in biology, Gilliam worked as an animal keeper at the Philadelphia Zoo. After moving on to the National Wildlife Federation to coordinate its urban environmental education plan, she realized she had a knack for public affairs—event planning, building partnerships and working with the media. She eventually landed her job at the Independence National Historical Park.

As a student, Gilliam revived the Black Student Union at Messiah, eventually becoming its president.

“While at Messiah, I was also able to enhance my leadership skills and learn to get along with people very different from myself,” said Gilliam.

She also honed her faith at Messiah, something that she carries in her current position and conveys to her staff. “I try to treat people as Christ would and remind myself that as His representative,” said Gilliam, “I am to treat people right, try to help when I can and stay in prayer.”

— Maddie Waller ’18