Composed by Ranger Sarah Milbourne (Western Regional Manager), Ranger Angela Crenshaw (Director), and Mark Spurrier (South Central Regional Manager)
“I can never remember a time when I didn’t love history.” — Erik Ledbetter
We are deeply saddened to share that Erik Ledbetter, a Maryland State Park Ranger and cherished colleague, passed away while on duty in service to the public and the parks he so dearly loved. Erik’s path to the ranger service was as extraordinary as the man himself: educated at Johns Hopkins and Yale, he worked for decades in academia, museums, and cultural diplomacy before trading prestige for purpose, beginning—as he put it—“a new career in parks management and ranger service.”
His love of history was lifelong and infectious. Erik could step into a role—such as his acclaimed portrayal of George Richter Jr., a young Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee in the 1930s—and bring the past to vivid life. He wove history into his programs not just with knowledge but with wit, drama, and emotional resonance, engaging your heart, mind, and senses.
Beyond his living history programs, Erik’s creativity shone through in unexpected ways — such as the Blair Witch hike he led at Seneca Creek State Park, where the movie was filmed. This annual program was wildly popular, consistently sold out, and left participants thrilled, spooked, and clamoring for more. Whether immersing people in the Great Depression, spinning eerie tales in the dark woods, or teaching the next generation of rangers to recite the oath with pride and gravitas, Erik had a gift for capturing imaginations and making every moment memorable.
He was a “ranger’s ranger”: striking in uniform, articulate, funny, quick-witted, deeply caring, and passionately committed to his work. His ability to mentor, to craft feelings from words, and to make every story matter inspired many of us. Erik could just as easily quote Monty Python as the Maryland Park Service manual—effortlessly blending humor and humanity into even the busiest of days.
Erik’s journey through the Maryland Park Service took him to Gunpowder Falls, where he most recently served, and to Seneca Creek, where he developed some of his most beloved programs. But his impact reached far beyond his assigned parks. At Gambrill State Park, he contributed his knowledge and items from his personal collection of Civilian Conservation Corps artifacts to help complete an exhibit about Camp S-57, which built the park and the Frederick City Watershed. At Patuxent River/Freedman’s State Historical Park, he loved sharing the life and legacy of Enoch George and Harriet Howard. He joyfully worked with archaeologists and the descendants to properly honor the Howard family’s story, bringing care, passion, and authenticity to that work.
Erik approached every project with the same dedication and humility that led him to set aside a distinguished career and higher-paying jobs to start at the bottom—embodying the ranger spirit with pride and grace.
Like all of us, Erik was human and imperfect, navigating challenges along the way. Yet his willingness to begin again, to give so much of himself, and to care so deeply about his craft, his colleagues, and the visitors he served will remain his enduring legacy.
We are profoundly grateful for Erik’s years of service, his mentorship, and his friendship. He died doing what he loved—serving the public, protecting the land, and living the ideals of a Maryland State Park Ranger. Erik did a podcast with Preservation Maryland’s Nick Redding, we think you’ll enjoy it: https://presmd.podbean.com/e/a-peak-into-the-history-of-the-ccc-with-erik-ledbetter/
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. May we honor his memory by carrying forward his passion, his creativity, and his love of history in the work we do every day.
Rest easy, Ranger Ledbetter — you truly made an impact.