Beginning in the 1950s many people who loved the outdoors decided to try and make a living doing what they loved. The only equipment available was usually army surplus or some items imported from Europe.

The Outdoor History Project's mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the founders and early employees of these companies so that future generations may hear directly from them and better understand their unique life styles and business experiences.

Hall of Achievement

Those people who have been chosen by our Advisors Committee

Greg Thomsen

Oral Histories

Open to anyone who wishes to submit video stories and photos

The Outdoor History Project's mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of climbers, mountaineers, backcountry skiers and adventurers so that future generations may hear directly from them and better understand their unique life styles and experiences. In addition we want to collect the stories from the people who were part of the outdoor industry; retailers, manufacturers, writers, photographers and salespeople.

Participate
Share your story. Simply sit down with a friend and video record a conversation about your outdoor experiences for 30 minutes or longer. Interview a outdoor focused person in your family or community. Collect historical documents and photographs. Our oral history interviews seek an in-depth account of personal experience and reflections, with sufficient time allowed to give their story the fullness they deserve. The content of these interviews is grounded in reflections on the past.