You are here

Home » Around The Parks: Savoring Winter In Comfort

Around The Parks: Savoring Winter In Comfort

Share

Published Date

November 24, 2016

A painting (Grand Canyon Scene at Eastern End of Canyon) by Thomas Moran. 1920 / NPS

If you find yourself homebound for one reason or other this winter, there are two websites worth exploring for a quick national park fix: the National Park Service’s Treasured Landscapes site (which showcases art collections telling America’s stories) and the Open Parks Network (“350,000 cultural heritage objects and 1.5 million pages of gray literature...”). That’s a lot of information.

Treasured Landscapes

Click on the link for the Treasured Landscapes site and enter a virtual museum of artworks that captures the beautiful landscapes from more than 50 of our national parks. Be prepared to spend more than a little time on this site, as it includes: “(S)tunning paintings, watercolors, sketches, and works on paper from National Park Service museum collections…”

The site is divided into three central themes: Treasured Landscapes (by such artists as Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt), landscape art displayed in the homes of eminent Americans, and the American experience, which, “document(s) experiences that have molded America’s character.”

One nifty feature lets you place your cursor over a painting, zoom in and out, and move the image right and left. You can spend more than a little time exploring this site, searching for your favorite artists, your favorite park landscapes, or your favorite period of American history.

Whether you’re curious about Carl Sandburg’s goats, or early explorations of Mammoth Cave, you can find materials relating to them on the Open Parks Network.

Open Parks Network

The Open Parks Network, a collaboration between Clemson University and the National Park Service, was funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

On this site you’ll find: “100,000 high-resolution digital scans of photographs and 200,000 images in all, including more galleries of building plans, maps, and illustrations."

What are you likely to see? How about one link to photographs of Carl Sandburg’s goats, whose North Carolina home is now a national historic site.

There are photo collections from all over, from a Yellowstone National Park photo collection and Jimmy Carter Memorabilia to Civil War era maps and newspaper illustrations, and Mammoth Cave Glass Plate Negatives. Plus, you not only can view thousands of images and documents, but download them as well.

Related Stories:

Native Artisans Vendor Market Expands To Grand Canyon North Rim
Where To Go Caving In The National Park System
Photography In The National Parks: Food Photography And A Cookbook Review

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Lee Dalton on November 24, 2016 - 9:38am.

Did any of you catch the excellent program on PBS last night about the USS Arizona Memorial?  NPS divers explored the inside of the ship with remote cameras.  It's well worth making an effort to find it and watch.


Submitted by ecbuck on November 24, 2016 - 1:24pm.

I saw it.  Don't quite understand why it is irreverant to have a human diver go in but OK for a remote camera.  Indeed a capitvating program.


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.