We’ve often said that one of the best things Natchez has going for it is often one of the least recognized features — the Natchez National Historical Park.

Often overlooked as merely the keepers of antebellum Melrose, the house that serves as the centerpiece of the NNHP’s presence in Natchez, the National Park Service’s impact on Natchez is much, much more.

In recent years, the NNHP has greatly expanded its umbrella of caring about some of Natchez’s historic places.

A restored William Johnson House opened in 2005 breathing new life to one of Natchez’s most interesting and unique stories.

With plans under way to obtain land at the site of Fort Rosalie to develop the historical site and a nearly completed study to consider whether or not the Forks of the Road slavery market site could be added, the NNHP is staying busy and doing good things for Natchez.

The City of Natchez is considered a proposal to transfer ownership of the Natchez Visitor Reception Center to the NPS. Many questions remain unanswered before we’d know how well that proposal might work, but we’re glad the city is considering it.

Having the professionals such as the National Park Service operating the facility — rather than just leasing space there as they currently do — could prove another invaluable asset to Natchez.

Natchez is a city filled with historical jewels and we know of few people better than the folks at the National Park Service to care for those jewels, keep them polished and on display for the world to see.