The Hartzog Institute for Parks
The George B. Jr. and Helen C. Hartzog Institute for Parks was established in June, 2007 in recognition of a 30-year relationship with the former Director of the National Park Service, George B. Hartzog, Jr. and his wife Helen. Its mission is to conduct, broker, and communicate a comprehensive program of research, education, and management practices that enhance the protection of the world’s parks and protected areas, while concurrently increasing the understanding of the natural, historical, cultural and recreational value of these treasured resources among a global citizenry.
About George Hartzog
Often called "America's Greatest Idea," our national park system is the envy of others. It is also unique to us, and has been copied over the world. Unfortunately, we often take this superb collection of natural and cultural icons for granted. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains are easily recognizable names to many if not most Americans. Muir, Mather, Albright, Hartzog are not so associative. Generally, the parks are known, but not the people behind them.
Indeed, our system of national park areas is for the people, but they are also established and perpetuated as a result of the efforts and ingenuity of a select group of individuals. Some of these have given birth to the system, and others have nurtured it. Either way, these individuals are as significant to the cultural well-being of this country as any of those persons more recognizable in our history texts. Their signatures, however appear as the scenic splendor of Yellowstone, or the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, rather than as print in a book.
George B. Hartzog, Jr. was one such "man behind the scenery." As the seventh Director of the National Park Service from 1964 to 1973, his administration led the largest expansion of the national park system in its history, adding 69 units.