An interestingly analogous relationship exists between Gilcrease Museum and the National Park Service. Both resulted from the efforts of farsighted visionaries. Both assumed the responsibility for bringing together and protecting the wonders of the world for future generations: on the part of the parks, the wonders of nature; on the part of the museum, artistic evocations of the sublime spirit of place, and a host of other artworks and artifacts that embody the wonders of humanity's expressive abilities. Both have come a long way since their earliest beginnings. In 2016 the National Park Service is responsible for protecting and managing more than four hundred sites, including cherished jewels such as Yellowstone and Yosemite, but also less known but historically important places like the Washita Battlefield National Heritage Site in western Oklahoma. Currently, Gilcrease Museum continues to preserve and share masterworks by EuroAmerican and Native artists, personal memorabilia and rare historic documents, and much more. In 2016, the citizens of Tulsa voted to set aside the necessary funding to allow the museum to expand by some 100,000 square feet, enabling it to use its collection to better educate, enlighten, and inspire than ever before. With this browse we celebrate the National Park Service and Gilcrease Museum, and their essential roles as stewards of the sublime.
