People

"The true importance of Marsh, Billings, and those who follow in their footsteps, goes beyond simple stewardship. Their work transcends maintenance. It involves new thought and new action to enhance and enrich...the past...We cannot rest on the achievements of the past. Rather each generation must not only be stewards, but activists, innovators, and enrichers."
- Laurance Rockefeller

The history of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is not only the history of a special house and property and the families who lived there. Rather, the park reflects a rich continuum of social history and land stewardship practices that continues to evolve.

As the property was handed down from generation to generation, so were George Perkins Marsh's revolutionary ideas about man's long-lasting effects on the environment.
 
historic black and white photo of an adult man with glasses in a suit
George Perkins Marsh

Author of Man and Nature and the father of the modern, American conservation movement.

historic black and white photo of man around age 60 in suit with bow tie
Frederick Billings

Railway president, real estate developer, dairy farm owner, forest rehabilitator.

historic black and white photo of a mother and three adult daughters
The Billings Women

Three generations of women fostered the conservation ideology across the estate's landscape and beyond.

black and white photo of elderly woman from late 1800s
Julia Parmly Billings

After Frederick's death in 1890, Julia oversaw the care of the Billings estate for 24 years.

grainy color photo from 1970s of man in collared shirt and tie next to bowling lane
Laurance Rockefeller

Philanthropist, conservationist, businessman. Together with his wife, Mary French Rockefeller, Laurance donated the estate to the NPS.

Picture of Mary Rockefeller at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Background shows a lake and mountains.
Mary French Rockefeller

Philanthropist and Billings heir, Mary donated her childhood home to the National Park Service in 1992.

Last updated: August 7, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

54 Elm Street
Woodstock, VT 05091

Phone:

802-457-3368 x0

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