San Francisco’s beloved waterfront landmark has a new leader: the National Park Service has selected Jonathan Dille as the next Superintendent of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, bringing fresh energy to one of the city’s most treasured cultural and historical destinations.

The appointment was announced by the National Park Service on Thursday, July 16, 2026, signaling a continued commitment to preserving and sharing the rich maritime heritage that defines so much of San Francisco’s identity along the northern waterfront.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is home to a remarkable collection of historic vessels, a world-class research library, a sandy beach at Aquatic Park, and the Hyde Street Pier — where visitors can step aboard beautifully preserved ships and experience the seafaring history of the Pacific Coast firsthand. The park draws visitors from across the Bay Area and around the world, serving as both a community gathering place and a living museum.

With Dille at the helm, residents and visitors alike can look forward to continued stewardship of this irreplaceable slice of San Francisco history. The park sits at the intersection of community recreation and cultural education, offering free and low-cost programming that connects people of all ages to the city’s deep ties to the sea.

The selection of a new superintendent is a meaningful milestone for the park and for the San Francisco waterfront community, ensuring dedicated leadership as the park continues its mission to preserve, protect, and share the stories of America’s maritime past for generations to come.

Sources: National Park Service (.gov)