Wisconsin's John Muir
A Traveling Display
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
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
Cut-Over Land, 1939
Cut-over land in northern Wisconsin. View the original source document: WHI 105729
Duck Hunters
Two men standing holding guns, with birds draped around their necks from hunt. View the original source document: WHI 59473
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 Wisconsin’s Environmental Tradition: A Reader (PDF)
Download Muir's Books:
Free ebooks and audiobooks from The Internet Archive:
The Story of My Boyhood and Youth (1913)
A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (1916)
My First Summer in the Sierra (1911)
The Yosemite (1912)
The Mountains of California (1894)
Our National Parks (1901)
Steep Trails (1919)
Muir’s other writings available free online:
Digital Public Library of America
Learn about Muir’s Life
Biographical Resources from the Sierra Club
Historical Newspaper Articles about Muir in Wisconsin
See Muir’s Manuscripts at the Wisconsin Historical Society
30 original manuscript letters of Muir, 1861-1914
A visit to Muir in his UW dorm room, ca. 1862
Muir's younger brother recalls their boyhood