Ample Accumulations: November 2018
The National Scouting Museum, nestled within the picturesque Philmont Scout Ranch, offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. This museum serves as a testament to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), showcasing its evolution and impact on society over the past century.
Founded in 1910 by Chicago publisher William Boyce, the BSA aimed at character development, citizenship training, personal fitness, and hands-on life skills. The organization, inspired by and modeled on the Boy Scout Association established by Baden-Powell in Britain in 1908, quickly grew to become the largest youth organization in the United States in the first decades of the 20th century.
The museum's collections offer a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of the Boy Scouts of America. Visitors can expect to find exhibits showcasing the transformation of Scouting in the United States, including Philmont's significant role in the movement. Items related to the ranch’s operation, its adventures, and contributions to training Scouts are also on display.
The museum's collections also showcase the BSA's impact on generations of young people and its role in shaping American culture. The Scout Law, which includes principles like trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, and reverence, has been the moral compass for generations of young men in the BSA.
The museum's future plans include continued growth and development of its collections and exhibits. With the BSA program undergoing its biggest change with the impending 2019 admission of girls, the museum is looking to expand its collection with items that highlight the BSA's evolution over a century of history.
For those seeking a more interactive and educational experience, the museum sometimes hosts mobile exhibits such as the "Wonders on Wheels Mobile Museum," which brings history, culture, and science programming to the museum and surrounding community during events.
Whether you're a scouting enthusiast or simply interested in learning about American history, the National Scouting Museum at Philmont Scout Ranch is a must-visit attraction. The museum is open to the public daily from September 1 - April 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and May 1 - August 30, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit philmontscoutranch.org.
[1] "Wonders on Wheels Mobile Museum." Philmont Scout Ranch. https://philmontscoutranch.org/program/wonders-wheels-mobile-museum/ [2] "National Scouting Museum." Philmont Scout Ranch. https://philmontscoutranch.org/museum/national-scouting-museum/
The Boy Scouts of America, founded in 1910, aimed at promoting personal fitness as part of its mission for character development and hands-on life skills. At the National Scouting Museum, visitors can find exhibits showcasing the transformation of Scouting, including its contributions to sports.
The museum's collections also celebrate the BSA's role in shaping American culture, such as the impact of the Scout Law's principles on generations of young people, and the organization's growth to become the largest youth organization in the United States in the first decades of the 20th century.
