NATCHEZ — After a 35-day closure of some federal government activities, the staff at Natchez National Historical Park have returned to work and reopened all the park sites to visitors, park officials said Wednesday.

Local park sites continue operations as usual, said park superintendent Kathleen Bond, with Melrose open to the visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, and the William Johnson House open Wednesday through Sunday each week.

“The camellias at Melrose are reaching their peak bloom right now, and I am so happy the public will once again be able to stroll through the formal gardens and enjoy them,” Bond said.

“I had so many reports of cars pulled up to the Melrose gates not able to get in during the past few weeks, and so many calls from folks who were in town asking about seeing the William Johnson House. I’m just glad our staff is able to get back to the work they love — protecting these wonderful treasures and connecting them with the people who come to Natchez to see them.”

Visitors may stroll the Melrose grounds free of charge while park staff return to their “big projects” for this year, which includes preparing to assume ownership of the Natchez Visitor Reception Center and lands at the Forks of the Road, Bond said.

New wayside exhibits will soon be installed at the Fort Rosalie site, inside the Natchez Visitor Center and in the Melrose kitchen while exhibits at the William Johnson House kitchen are ready but are awaiting final restoration of the building before opening up to the public.

Bond said park staff expressed deep appreciation for boxes of food that were prepared for federal employees during the government shutdown and made available through the First Presbyterian Church.

“Federal employees are so dedicated and mission-driven, and it means so much for the community to show their appreciation and support,” Bond said.