Georgetown, Del., July 26, 2007: You could say that history is in Dan Parsons’ blood.

A descendant of English settlers who colonized Virginia and Maryland’s Eastern Shore in the early and mid-17th century, Parsons has long, deep roots intertwined with the history of the Delmarva Peninsula. Collecting antique bottles and American Indian arrowheads as a child were among his favorite hobbies growing up in Somerset County, Md.

But understanding the region’s way of life, and the people who call the Peninsula home, always fascinated Mr. Parsons more than mere artifacts did. “I was always interested in the farmers and the watermen. They represented the real connections to the past, because their way of life has changed very little since the Colonial period,” Mr. Parsons said.

It’s only fitting that now as an adult Mr. Parsons is parlaying that childhood interest into his own way of life as Sussex County’s newest historic preservation planner.

Mr. Parsons began work this month in the County’s Engineering Department. As historic preservation planner, it will be among Mr. Parsons’ duties to review County construction plans with an eye toward how they affect historic and cultural resources. Mr. Parsons also will direct the County’s records management and document retention program.

A graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University, Mr. Parsons will ensure that County construction projects for new sewer districts, for example, comply with state and federal regulations when it comes to historic preservation. It will also be up to him to work with landowners, as well as state officials, to find ways to mitigate the effects a project might have on a historic site, such as burial grounds, historic homesteads and long-lost settlements.

Mr. Parsons also will work closely with local historical societies on ways to preserve their communities.

Mr. Parsons said he is excited to be in Sussex County. While close to where he grew up, Sussex County is new ground for him, full of history to be learned and stories to be unearthed. It’s important, he said, to learn and preserve those stories now, especially as the landscape in Sussex County and the region evolve here in the 21st century.

“I definitely have a passion for the history of the region as a whole,” Mr. Parsons said. “We can learn a lot from our past now, but we have to be willing to at least document and preserve it.”

Assistant County Engineer Russell Archut said Mr. Parsons’ strong connection to the region and his intense interest in local history will be an asset to Sussex County.

“Dan’s sincere interest in local history and historical properties impressed me,” Mr. Archut said. “Additionally, he comes with a strong administrative background from his previous work experience. Those traits, along with his education, made him right for the position.”