Theodore Roosevelt articulated a vision of America that emphasized natural places as elements that define a nation’s character and that are foundational to the individual’s rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  For citizens today, those notions may be controversial, if not completely remote from contemporary ideas of America. Experts in science, conservation, humanities, and democratic principles will illuminate the 21^st century imperatives that can contribute to reconstructing and expanding an American identity forged in an intimate relationship to its natural history.

Host and Moderator

Tom Brokaw, an American television journalist and author best known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. He now serves as a Special Correspondent for NBC News and works on documentaries for other outlets.

Participants

Douglas Brinkley, Presidential Historian and fellow in history at the Baker Institute and a professor of history at Rice University. Brinkley’s most recent publications include The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America.

Lisa Graumlich, Dean of the University of Washington’s College of the Environment.
A scientist known internationally for research on climate and ecosystems – and who has a track record of getting wide-ranging groups of experts to focus on environmental issues.

Michael Novacek, Senior Vice President and Provost of Science at the American Museum of Natural History. Dr. Novacek was instrumental in establishing the Museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute for Comparative Genomics, and new research program in astrophysics.

Rick Ridgeway, is Patagonia’s Vice President of Environmental Initiatives, where he implements the second two of the company’s three-part mission statement to make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

Paul Vahldiek is Chairman/CEO of The High Lonesome Ranch, Colorado and a founder of High Lonesome Institute, Colorado; an attorney, conservationist, hunter, and fisherman. Paul serves as board chair of the Western Landowners Alliance and board member of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Trout Unlimited's Coldwater Conservation Fund, Wildlands Network; he is also a member of the Boone and Crocket Club. 

Find out more about the topics the panel will discuss:

This program is part of the celebration of the reopening of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial at the American Museum of Natural History.