Wisconsin's John Muir | Wisconsin Historical Society

General Information

Wisconsin's John Muir

A Traveling Display

Wisconsin's John Muir | Wisconsin Historical Society
Opening panel of the exhibit.
EnlargePhotographic portrait of John Muir seated and reading a book.

John Muir with a Book, 1908

Portrait of John Muir. He is seated and is reading a book. View the original source document: WHI 80929

EnlargeA lithograph promoting the national parks of the western United States and Canada. The poster depicts a creek running through a valley surrounded by mountains, with a man on horseback near a stream waving to other individuals on the porch of a cabin.

Far West National Parks, USA and Canada Travel Poster, 1934

An original lithograph promoting the national parks of the western United States and Canada, as well as promoting train travel. View the original source document: WHI 67566

EnlargeA photograph of cut-over land in northern Wisconsin shows a field of tree stumps.

Cut-Over Land, 1939

Cut-over land in northern Wisconsin. View the original source document: WHI 105729

EnlargeTwo men standing holding guns, with birds draped around their necks from hunt. Line strung between trees shows additional kill from duck hunt. A dog sits in the grass between the men.

Duck Hunters

Two men standing holding guns, with birds draped around their necks from hunt. View the original source document: WHI 59473

EnlargePhotograph of a tourist group on Muir Glacier near a ravine.

Tourists on Muir Glacier, Alaska

View of a tourist group on Muir Glacier near a ravine. Copyright by Winter & Pond. View the original source document: WHI 81467

Commemorating the centennial of the National Park Service, the traveling display "Wisconsin's John Muir: An Exhibit Celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service" explores Muir's youth in Wisconsin, his advocacy for national parks and his views on environmental issues such as logging, hunting and climate change. 

The Wisconsin Historical Society currently provides this display to schools, public libraries, historical societies and civic organizations in Wisconsin. To request "Wisconsin's John Muir" for your organization, please email travelingexhibits@wisconsinhistory.org.

To browse the Wisconsin Historical Society's other traveling displays, click here.

What's in the Display?

The eight panels of "Wisconsin's John Muir" share facsimiles of images and manuscripts from the Society's library and archives alongside Muir quotes and interpretive texts. The display is most suitable for secondary schools and the general public.

View the complete contents of each panel here (PDF, 5 MB).

A reader on Wisconsin's environmental tradition, links to Muir's books, manuscripts, and other writings,  and links to biographical information and photographs of Muir are also available (see below).

The Muir display and reading program is funded by bequests from John A. Peters and the Kenyon and Mary Follett family.

General Description

4 freestanding, double-sided poly fabric banners, 39" x 87", on retractable banner stands

Rental Fee & Travel

$100, plus transport

One copy of the display is available for rental, based in Madison. Renters are responsible for arranging transport to and from their venue; in some cases, venues may be able to make arrangements with preceding or following venues if scheduling allows.

Proceeds from traveling exhibit rentals support the Society's ongoing outreach programs and activities.

Duration

Up to 4 weeks. Venues may schedule the display for more than 4 weeks for an additional fee.

Space Required

180 sq. ft.

Dates and Locations

See our events calendar for full details.

Learn More

Download Muir's Books:

Free ebooks and audiobooks from The Internet Archive:

Muir’s other writings available free online:
Learn about Muir’s Life
See Muir’s Manuscripts at the Wisconsin Historical Society
View Photographs of Muir:
Photos of John Muir at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

 

 

 

 

Oh, that glorious Wisconsin wilderness!