The John Muir National Historic Site & The American-Scottish Foundation® Presents In the Footsteps of John Muir An Exhibition and Talk by Scottish Photographer, Ken Paterson

Date: May 24, 2017
Contact: Ann Roos, 510-232-5050 x 6643

(Martinez, CA) – The John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA, features a new exhibit, In the Footsteps of John Muir, by Scottish photographer Ken Paterson. The exhibit is on display in one of the bedrooms of John Muir’s Victorian home. Ken Paterson will give a special talk about the inspiration behind his photographic journey on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, to be followed by a viewing of the exhibit. The exhibit is free of charge and included in guided and self-guided tours of the Muir-Strentzel House during regular operating hours.
 
In the Footsteps of John Muir, an exhibit of 12 photographic works by Ken Paterson, traces Muir's travels, from his early days in Dunbar, Scotland to Yosemite, California, and allows one to see the environments which Muir loved and did so much to help preserve. The exhibit was part of the National Centennial Celebration of National Parks and originally featured 30 photographs in the series. Join us for Ken Paterson’s talk on Saturday, June 10 to catch a glimpse of the rest of the series.
 
John Muir was a farmer, inventor, botanist, geologist, explorer, mountaineer, writer and pioneer of nature conservation. He was born in Dunbar, Scotland, on April 21, 1838. As a child he developed a deep love of the natural world. This grew into a lifelong journey, both physical and spiritual, of exploration, revelation, hardship and wonder. In 1849, Muir's family immigrated to the United States, starting Fountain Lake Farm near Portage, Wisconsin. Later, his introduction to Yosemite Valley, California, resulted in his campaign to preserve wilderness for wilderness's sake. This led to the establishment of the world's first national park system. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of the modern conservation movement and is often referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" in the United States.
 
Ken Paterson (www.kenpaterson.co.uk) has been producing top level photographs for the last twenty years, specializing in creative location work based on people. Clients, such as The New York Times, have led to a strong portfolio in the United States and Japan and resulted in the chance to complete a dozen travel guide books around the world. Recently, Ken has been lecturing in photography at Stevenson College in Edinburgh. Ken's passion is his self-started photographic project, Famous Scots, which aims to reconnect Scotland with its proud global heritage.
 
The American-Scottish Foundation (ASF) is dedicated to strengthening ties between individuals, institutions, and businesses of Scotland and the United States. The Foundation champions the extraordinary and creative relationship between Scotland and the United States with an extensive program of projects and events - a bridge between the two great countries. ASF is proud to help bring attention and support to the preservation of parks and landscapes. Visit www.americanscottishfoundation.org.
 
The National Park Service manages the stately home on Alhambra Avenue, which Muir lived in from 1890 to 1914, and serves as a jumping-off point to discuss Muir’s legacy of preservation. Ranger-led tours of the house and property discuss Muir as a fruit rancher, explorer, activist, writer, and family man. John Muir NHS, located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA 94553, is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission to the site is free of charge. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jomu.                                                          
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