At 1:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon (8/25/2016) the Stones River National Battlefield was filled with historical speakers, cheering supporters, and birthday cake. It was Murfreesboro's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Superintendent Brenda Waters did a tremendous job of coordinating the local event as tourists, local historians, Friends of the Stones River Battlefield and staff enjoyed a day filled with history and celebration.

Waters took over the helm of the 650-acre Stones River National Battlefield about 3-months ago. She is an Idaho native who joined NPS in 2004. She and her husband Chris have two grown children: one is a computer engineer and former Marine and the other is a married mom who is completing her college degree.

For those who have not met Brenda, she fits perfectly in Middle Tennessee with a love for square dancing, quilting, gardening, cooking, enjoying the outdors and meeting new friends.

The entrance to the Stones River National Battlefield is at 1563 North Thompson Lane and it is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The museum and visitors center are open 8:00AM-5:00PM. It is closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. There is no admission fee.