Pinchot Family’s Long Pool at Grey Towers National Historic Site – UNH 150th Anniversary Alumni Photo Exhibit

I am thrilled and honored to have one of my photos selected by the University of New Hampshire’s Museum of Art for its 150th Anniversary Alumni Photography Exhibit in Durham, NH.

This picture and a series of images I submitted have special meaning for me especially during the Centennial of our National Park Service– “America’s Best Idea”.  My images captured beauty in parks, monuments and historic sites.  This particular one from the Grey Towers National Historic Site has very warm significance as it is the estate of James, Mary and Gifford Pinchot and their descendants- located in Milford, PA .  The Pinchots’ money created the Yale Forestry School and their son Gifford became our country’s first Chief of the Forest Service, serving under President Teddy Roosevelt.  Read his biography telling much more including his role as Governor of the State of Pennsylvania.

After leaving the University System of New Hampshire (Plymouth State College) in 1994 I was privileged to create the Career Development Office for Yale’s (now named)  School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.  It is the longest continuously operating forestry school in the US.  I have been privileged to visit Grey Towers on 3 occasions.  I highly encourage anyone traveling long Interstate 84 in PA to stop at this lovely spot dedicated by President Kennedy in 1961 after the Pinchot family gave the estate to the American people.  Interestingly, it is the only national “park” not administered by the NPS.  Because of Pinchot’s important link to the US Forest Service, this property falls under their management.  Housed at Grey Towers is also an important nonprofit organization that focuses on forest policy – The Pinchot Institute for Conservation.

Information can be found on the Museum’s Facebook page. The exhibit is running from August 31 – October 16, 2016 (6 weeks). A public opening reception will take place Thursday, September 8, 2016, 6 – 8PM.  I have seen the works that will be included in the catalogue from the 22 photographers.  A variety of subjects and styles.  Do attend the reception on September 8th; or drop by during the 6 weeks the exhibit is hung for viewing.   My wife Bobbe and I will attend and would love to see some familiar faces that evening!!

Finally, please do let me know your reactions to the exhibit and to my contribution.

Peter

Peter Otis Photos, LLC

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