Renowned Then, Almost Unknown Now

By 1899, Ernest Thompson Seton was internationally known as a nature writer, controversially depicting animals as heroes and humans as villains.  But by that time, he was already recognized as an artist and natural scientist. By 1904, he was captivating audiences in towns across the US with his stories about his outdoor youth program called Woodcraft, about protecting wilderness, wildlife, and advocating for Indigenous cultures. Few people today know his name or that his work helped shape the original policies for the Scouting Movement as well as the United States National Parks and Forest Services.

I will weave these topics into a narrative tapestry using the threads of my personal legacy and his ultimate objective to build character and respect all life through outdoor life. I will also reveal how his work then influences our thinking today.