National Park Service National Park Service Uniforms Badges and Insignia, 1894-1991

As can be seen, the National Park Service, like any viable organization, has attempted to change with the times--not always for the better. The uniform today is basically the same as that envisioned in 1920. It now has shoes and trousers instead of boots and breeches, but there are far more similarities than differences.

Old hands like Walter Fry or Washington Lewis would still recognize a park ranger if they were to run into him today. The old saying "the more things change, the more they remain the same" is nowhere truer than in the Park Service.

U.S. Department of the Interior seal,
1925-Present

As the nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibility for the public lands and promoting citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

Publication services were provided by the Branch of Publications and Graphic Design of the Denver Service Center. NPS D-687 September 1991