More than 600 people, including New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and BSA Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh, helped formally dedicate the National Scouting Museum – Philmont Scout Ranch on Saturday in Cimarron, N.M.
In attendance were BSA volunteers and professionals, families from nearby towns, members of the media, and donors whose generosity made the museum possible in the first place.
The 19,500-square-foot museum holds a library, a gift shop, books, mementos, two large exhibit halls and an 88-person conference room.
It’s open all year long but will see its heaviest traffic during Philmont’s popular summer season, when Scouts and Scouters traverse Philmont’s trails and expand their Scouting knowledge at the Philmont Training Center.
What to expect inside
The National Scouting Museum – Philmont Scout Ranch will help preserve and showcase more than a century of BSA memories. Current and future generations of young people will be inspired by those who paved the way. The collection includes 600,000 artifacts that document Scouting’s unique influence on American culture.
In Exhibit Hall A, see how camping gear has evolved through the years. Marvel at classic BSA uniforms. Learn how Scouting has served communities for more than a century.
In Exhibit Hall B, explore the rich history of Philmont and the Great Southwest. Study a giant topographical map of Philmont. Watch an old mud wagon be restored. View priceless pieces of pottery. See the artwork of Ernest Thompson Seton.
For a look at the new museum — inside and out — keep scrolling for BSA photographer Michael Roytek’s photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Hours and more information
Nearly all of Philmont’s 32,000 annual visitors will want to visit the museum. Admission is free.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2018, the National Scouting Museum will be open to the public seven days a week, except on noted holidays.
June 1 to Aug. 22:
- 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week
Aug. 23 to May 31:
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week
Visit this site for more information.
Photos from the ceremony
Photos by Michael Roytek/BSA and Shane Mrozek/Philmont
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