As the new cultural resources leader for the canal museum and trail, he's now ready to put that knowledge to work.

Spence grew up in Roanoke Rapids and as an Eagle Scout with Troop 146, worked on many projects involving the trail. “The scouts did a lot of bridge building and trail maintenance. We were always working on the trail. I learned a great deal about that.”

When he saw the city was advertising for the position, he knew with his experience in scouting and his his degree from N.C. State University in criminology, which has a sociology concentration, he had found a job in his hometown. “It's just a beautiful trail. It's an escape from the cars and streets. Everyone has done a great job maintaining it and keeping it clean.”

(More photos from a reading program at the museum can be viewed on our Facebook page)

The museum, he said, “Is a walk through time. I have a true appreciation of the history.”

Roanoke Rapids Head Librarian Jeff Watson said Spence was chosen to lead the museum because of his involvement in scouting and 4-H. “A lot of his experience is based in the outdoors. He's very vibrant and energetic. I'm looking for him to give creative ideas on how to promote the museum.”

One of the things Spence, a 2008 Roanoke Rapids High School graduate and 2012 graduate of NCSU, has observed going into the second week of his job, is that many local people don't realize the old power generation building that houses the local artifacts has been turned into a museum. “We get a lot of visitors but not local.”

He said there is much local history to be learned from the museum. “It's a nice facility. It gives you a chance to learn a little about our local history.”

Spence sees his new job as a way to say thanks to the community he is from. “I'm excited to be home. The community gave me so much, school and scouts. It's a great way to return the favors.”