‘Geographies of Wonder: Origin Stories of America’s National Parks’ Reminds Us of Our Intricate Relationships with Our Scenic Marvels

Rachael McDonald

In commemoration of the centennial celebration of the U.S National Parks Service, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens brings us a series of exhibitions celebrating and exploring the roles of our National parks. “Geographies of Wonder” explores the heart of our nation living within our national parks. Over time, the roles of this network of public lands have expanded and kaleidoscoped to not only have different meanings but to share different stories. Far more than simply political and economic drivers, the role of national parks in American life continues to evolve and redefine itself today and into our future; clashing agendas and interests have led to a fair amount of tension as to what our uncertain future might hold for our natural wonderlands.

As the first exhibit in the series, “Origin Stories of America’s National Parks,” contextualizes our scenic marvels. The thought-provoking collection facilitates a space for reflecting on the relationships between the American people and our nation’s most revered iconic landscapes. An exhibit exploring the rich history and scenic wealth of our great American landscapes through collected photographs, sketches, prints and other related materials, it paints the narrative of the legacy of our national parks. Included is a monstrous photo album by William Henry Jackson that is said by historians to have played a key role in convincing Congress to authorize the first landscape established by the federal government, Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Delving into the European and American dynamics that went into the establishment of our parks, the exhibition also analyzes the treatment of Native Americans who were uprooted and exploited for advertising. Considering the marvelous beauty of these lands existing as they are versus how we’ve defined them throughout our history further informs our continued relationship with them into our all too uncertain future. By delving beyond our intricate historic complexities, “Origins” allows us to consider the tensions that have arisen from competing priorities in our present moment within a contextualized perspective.

“Geographies of Wonder: Origin Stories of America’s National Parks, 1872-1933” is on view from May 14 to Sept. 5 at The Huntington.