Pearl Harbor National Memorial

03/14/2025

83 years ago, the world learned Doris Miller’s name for the first time.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy was slow to release news. But as reports trickled in, a particular story stood out: that of an unnamed mess attendant who had fired back with an anti-aircraft weapon despite “never touching a gun in his life.”

African American sailors have served in the US Navy since the Revolution. But in the years before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy was deeply segregated, and African Americans could only serve as mess attendants and stewards. A year before Pearl Harbor, sailors aboard the cruiser USS Philadelphia had protested, writing to a newspaper that they had become “seagoing bell hops, chambermaids and dishwashers.” All had been discharged as a result.

Then came Pearl Harbor, and the unnamed mess attendant. His actions laid bare the lies of segregation, proving that African American sailors could fight if only given a chance. But for months, the Navy refused to disclose his identity or provide further information on his actions.

Finally, in March 1942, the Navy revealed the messman was Doris Miller of the USS West Virginia—and not only had he manned an anti-aircraft gun without training, but he had assisted the mortally wounded Captain, Mervyn Bennion, and had helped save injured men from oil-soaked water after his ship sank. Some in Congress wished to award him the Medal of Honor, and ultimately Admiral Chester Nimitz would present him with a Navy Cross. Miller himself was briefly sent back to the United States on a war bond tour, and his face became a symbol for African Americans fighting for freedom both at home and abroad.

The Navy was slow to change, and it would take years for African American sailors to finally serve in combat roles on frontline ships—but it would change, thanks in part to Miller’s actions. Tragically, Miller did not live long enough to see it: he was killed in action aboard the es**rt carrier USS Liscome Bay in November 1943. But his legacy lives on as a part of the great tradition of African American sailors in US Navy service.

Image: Miller during a visit to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in 1943.

03/13/2025

Please enjoy our USS Arizona Memorial Program Guide video, from start to finish. Join Park Rangers Kara and Gigi and US Navy Sailor Kelly as you check in at the Theater, board the boat, and spend time on the USS Arizona Memorial.

Your USS Arizona Memorial Program Guide, from start to finish. Join Park Rangers Kara and Gigi and US Navy Sailor Kelly as you check in at the Theater, board...

03/06/2025

We’re deeply saddened to share with you that Pearl Harbor survivor Jessie A. Mahaffey, 102, passed away on March 1, 2025.

03/05/2025

Planning on visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial? Check out our video on how to plan your visit!

Let park rangers help plan your visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial! From how to arrive at the park to booking USS Arizona Memorial Program reservations ...

03/04/2025

It's the 176th birthday of the Department of the Interior! Since 1849, the Department of the Interior (Also known as DOI) has worked to manage and protect America’s public lands for the benefit of all.

Sometimes called “The Department of Everything Else,” the DOI has a massive mandate—which over the years has led to the creation of specialized agencies within the Department to help manage its wide mission. These agencies include the US Geological Survey to conduct scientific research, the US Fish and Wildlife Service to manage the nation’s fish, fowl, and other fauna, the Bureau of Indian Affairs to work with Native American tribes, the Bureau of Land Management to manage public lands and resources, and, of course, the National Park Service! Together, we all help to care for 500 million acres of public lands, for the use of ourselves and for future generations.

Twenty-one of those acres are Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which has been managed by the National Park Service since 1980. Within Pearl Harbor, our footprint is relatively small, consisting of the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, six mooring quays, and six historic bungalows on Ford Island. But though we’re a small park, we get big park traffic: on average, over 5,000 people come to visit Pearl Harbor every day, and up to 4,000 can visit the Arizona Memorial! It’s a big job, and sometimes we’ll bring in our sister agencies for assistance—USGS, for instance, has performed several studies on the wreck of USS Arizona, which has helped us better understand her condition and what we’ll need to preserve her for future generations.

So happy birthday, DOI! And here’s to another 176 years of public lands.

Image 1: The NPS Badge and patch of a Park Ranger at Pearl Harbor National Memorial NPS/B. Maul
Image 2: A USGS crew performing research in 2006 at the USS Arizona. NPS/M. Russell

03/01/2025

Bag Policy and Safety Information

Prohibited Items at the Memorial- For security reasons, certain items are not allowed at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Please review the list below to ensure you comply with the regulations:

Bags and Containers: Any bags, packages, or containers that offer concealment (e.g., purses, handbags, backpacks, f***y packs, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage) that exceed the dimensions of 1.25" x 2.25" x 5.5" are not allowed. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum operates a baggage storage facility near the visitor center entrance, with a fee for all sizes, including luggage. This storage can be used for visits to all Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.

Glass Containers: Glass containers, except for baby food jars and tempered glass water bottles, are prohibited.

Musical Instruments: Instruments and their cases, unless related to an NPS-issued Special Use Permit.

Recreational Equipment: Items such as skateboards, skate shoes, Frisbees, and balls are not allowed.

Flowers: Potted plants, vases, or containers with flowers are prohibited.

Aerosol Containers: No aerosol cans are allowed on the premises.

Weapons: Knives, multitools, and other weapons, including pocketknives, are prohibited.

Alcoholic Beverages: No alcohol is allowed on the premises.

Recreational Devices: Bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, Segways, or other rideable devices are prohibited.

Helmets: Motorcycle, bicycle, and other helmets are not allowed.

Flags, Signs, or Banners: Unless related to a permit, these items on posts or poles are prohibited.

Wreaths: Wreaths on stands are not allowed unless associated with a permit.

Image Caption: Ranger Emily holds up two clear bags that are permitted at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Image Credit: NPS

02/26/2025

Tomorrow, February 27th, 2025, Pearl Harbor National Memorial will be installing the park's new projector for the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater. The park film will not play in the theater for the day as we install the new equipment. Instead, the park film can be viewed on the lanai behind the Research and Education Center until the equipment is installed. Here, you can view a compelling 23-minute documentary that vividly recounts the events of December 7, 1941. The film provides an in-depth look at the attack.

Image Caption: A map of Pearl Harbor National Memorial's campus.
Image Credit: NPS

02/23/2025

Visiting the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials

How can I visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials on Ford Island?

To visit these memorials, which are located on an active-duty military base, you must reserve a seat on the Ford Island Bus Tour if you do not have an Active-Duty Military ID. This fully guided tour is es**rted by National Park Service Rangers in coordination with the US Navy.

Do I need a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour?

Yes, reservations are required as this program is time- and capacity-dependent.

Where does the Ford Island Bus Tour depart from?

The tour departs from and returns to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Is the Ford Island Bus Tour currently running?

Yes, as of May 4, 2022, the National Park Service facilitated Ford Island Bus Tours are running, weather and safety permitting.

Could security concerns affect my visit?

Yes, base security concerns may lead to the cancellation of tours on short notice. Every effort will be made to notify the public in a timely manner if cancellations are necessary.

To make a reservation, visit: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10089185/ticket/10089186

Ford Island Bus Tour Information Page: https://www.nps.gov/perl/ford-island-bus-tour.htm

Image Caption: A photograph of the USS Oklahoma Memorial
Image Credit: NPS

Image Caption 2: An aerial photograph of the USS Utah Memorial
Image Credit 2: NPS

02/21/2025

On Thursday, February 27th, 2025, Pearl Harbor National Memorial will be installing the park's new projector for the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater. The park film will not play in the theater for the day as we install the new equipment. Instead, the park film can be viewed on the lanai behind the Research and Education Center until the equipment is installed. Here, you can view a compelling 23-minute documentary that vividly recounts the events of December 7, 1941. The film provides an in-depth look at the attack.

Image Caption: A view from the back of Pearl Harbor's theater.
Image Credit: NPS/EMILY WELCH

Image Caption 2: One of Pearl Harbor's older projectors.
Image Credit 2: NPS/EMILY WELCH

02/19/2025

There are numerous activities and experiences available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, many of which are free, while some require a fee.

What can I do for free at Pearl Harbor National Memorial?

Explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center grounds, museums, and interpretive displays.

Participate in the USS Arizona Memorial Program (reservation required, but no fee).

Take the Ford Island Bus Tour, including visits to the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials (reservation required).

Are there any tours or programs I can reserve?

USS Arizona Memorial Program: Reserve your spot in advance via Recreation.gov.

Ford Island Bus Tour: Also requires a reservation, available through Recreation.gov.

What additional paid experiences are available?

Pacific Historic Parks Pearl Harbor Audio Tour: This self-guided tour includes 27 stops throughout the visitor center, galleries, and USS Arizona Memorial. Narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, it is available in multiple languages and can be reserved through Recreation.gov or purchased onsite.

Virtual Reality (VR) Experience: The VR center offers three immersive experiences, including "Walking the Deck of the USS Arizona Before the Attack" and "Witness the Attack on Battleship Row." VR staff are available for assistance.

Are there other sites I can visit?

Yes, the Pearl Harbor Historic Site Partners offer additional experiences, though they are not managed by the National Park Service. These include:
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

For more information on tickets and operating hours, please visit their respective websites. You can purchase tickets for the Audio Tour, VR Experience, Deluxe Tour, or other partner sites on the day of your visit, based on availability and your schedule.

Image Caption: An aerial photograph of Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Image Credit: NPS

02/18/2025

Happy Presidents' Day!

"I grabbed his finger and hung on for dear life. And they tried to get me away, and of course, I was a little ham. FDR, being a bit of a ham himself, I guess he saw the possibilities."

Henry Williams Jr. is the three-year-old who grabbed then Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's finger. On that same day in 1914, Williams inserted the first bolt into the keel of BB-39 (USS Arizona). Williams would later witness the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, from the deck of a nearby ship. For the full story, visit: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2001/05/07/the-american-raj-pearl-harbor

Image Caption: Henry Williams Jr. holds then Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's finger.
Image Credit: FDR PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

02/15/2025

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Begin Disinterment of West Loch Disaster Unknowns

To learn about the 1944 West Loch Disaster at Pearl Harbor and the resulting search by the DPAA for answers, visit:

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) worked alongside caretakers of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) to disinter the first eight caskets of unknown service

02/14/2025

Reservations at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Do I need a reservation or ticket to enter the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center?

No, reservations and tickets are not required to enter the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, walk the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or visit the museums.

Do I need a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial Program?

While not required, reservations for the National Park Service-facilitated USS Arizona Memorial Program are strongly recommended. The program is time- and capacity-limited. Visit our USS Arizona Memorial Program Page for more information and to make reservations via Recreation.gov.

Is a reservation required for the Ford Island Bus Tour?

Yes, reservations are required for the National Park Service's Ford Island Bus Tour, which includes stops at the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Are the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum part of the National Park Service?

No, these are separate and independent sites. Please visit their respective websites for more information on tickets and pricing.

What is the Passport to Pearl Harbor, and do I need it?

The Passport to Pearl Harbor, available on Recreation.gov, covers neighboring non-governmental museums that charge their own admission fees. These museums are accessed through the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, which is free to enter. Alternatively, you can purchase individual tickets at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center on the day of your visit to tailor your experience.

Is there a shuttle service to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites?

Yes, the Pearl Harbor Historic Site shuttle is free and operates from the Visitor Center.

Image Caption: The USS Arizona National Memorial
Image Credit: NPS

02/11/2025

When visitors arrive on the shores of Pearl Harbor, one of the first things that many notice are the striking white blocks that lie near the USS Arizona Memorial, several of which have the names of ships on them. Many will ask – are those other memorials? Are there other ships that lie beneath them? And didn't they used to look a little bit different?

These white blocks are mooring quays, built in the 1930s for the battleships and aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet to tie up at when in Pearl Harbor. Though not originally built as memorials, today they mark the location of Battleship Row, the heart of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and several still bear the scars of battle. These structures witnessed not only the attack, but also the recovery and salvage efforts that would eventually raise every ship except for the battleship USS Arizona and the training ship USS Utah.

Today, these mooring quays face another enemy: time and tides. After nearly a century, erosion and corrosion have taken a substantial toll on the mooring quays, and signs of decay are evident even from a distance.

The National Park Service is currently working with the Concrete Preservation Institute to help repair and restore these structures, patching sections damaged by time and repainting the quays to their historic appearance on December 7th, 1941. Their work will help ensure that these mooring quays, and the legacy of the ships that were once tied to them, will be preserved for future generations.

For additional information, and an audio-described version of this video, visit: https://home.nps.gov/articles/000/silent-sentinels-preserving-the-mooring-quays-of-pearl-harbor-national-memorial.htm

02/05/2025

Doris Miller Displays Heroism at Pearl Harbor

When Japan attacked the US Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, Doris “Dorie” Miller was a 22-year-old mess attendant on the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor. Miller was collecting laundry when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and an alarm sounded on the USS West Virginia.

According to Navy Rear Adm. John Fuller, "Miller went topside, carried wounded on his shoulders, made several trips up and down, wading through waist-deep water, oil-slicked decks, struggling uphill on slick decks." Next Miller took control of a .50-caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and fired it until it was spent. Miller said, "It wasn't hard…I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine. I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about 15 minutes. I think I got one of those [Japanese] planes. They were diving pretty close to us."

Despite Miller’s valiant efforts the USS West Virginia was damaged and slowly sank. For his bravery, the Navy presented Miller with the Navy Cross in May 1942. In 1943, Miller would die aboard the USS Liscome Bay when a Japanese torpedo struck his ship. Miller was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his actions that day. A Navy aircraft carrier is now named after him.



Image Caption: Doris "Dorie" Miller
Image Credit: US NAVY

02/02/2025

Alfred Preis, the man who designed the USS Arizona Memorial, was born 114 years ago today in Austria in 1911. The son of a soldier, Alfred studied architecture at Vienna Technical University. But the same year he graduated, Austria was forcibly annexed by Germany–and though Pries was Catholic, his family was considered Jewish by N**i authorities. Concerned for himself and his fiancée, Janina, Alfred decided to emigrate in 1939 and got a job with a small architectural firm in Hawaii. He left just in time: over the next few years, both parents, his aunts, uncles, and all but one sibling would be murdered in the Holocaust.

Alfred and Janina made the best of moving to Hawaii, living in a studio apartment in Waikiki. Then, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Suddenly, the couple was instructed to report for questioning and were subsequently detained: incarcerated as enemy aliens.

The pair were transported to a detention facility on Sand Island in Honolulu Harbor, along with other European immigrants and Japanese residents suspected of disloyalty. The conditions were terrible—with no permanent facilities, those incarcerated were forced to build their own tent encampments, and Alfred and Janina could only see each other once a week for Sunday breakfast. Eventually the conditions improved, and after nearly four months in captivity the couple were finally released from custody.

After the war, the two stayed in Honolulu and Alfred became an influential member of the community, designing many buildings across the city including the entrance of the Honolulu Zoo. When the US Navy began looking for architects to design a memorial to the men and crew of the USS Arizona, Alfred was a natural choice—and his bold, modern design for the USS Arizona Memorial would make it an American icon. Later, Pries became the first executive director for the Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and the Arts, where he worked as a tireless advocate.

Alfred Pries passed away in 1994 at the age of 83. He was granted the rare privilege of having his ashes spread from the Arizona Memorial—a fitting tribute to a man whose work ensured that the names of the 1,177 men below would never be forgotten.

01/31/2025

Friday, January 31, 2025- Boats to the USS Arizona Memorial are in operation. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Image Caption: Pearl Harbor National Memorial update.
Image Credit: NPS

01/24/2025

Ice, Ice Bison⁣⁣…

Alright, stop! Ungulate and listen. The bison’s back with a brand new admission.

It’s cold.

But that’s okay. It’s not under pressure to stay warm. In fact, bison have a high cold tolerance. In fact, when the wind blows their coarse fur down against their body, it creates an impenetrable layer of warmth. The coat of a bison is so thick and insulates the bison's body so well that snow landing on the bison will not melt from the heat of the bison’s body. ⁣

Learn more about America's largest land mammal at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bison/index.htm

Image: An icy bison on the road in Hayden Valley, Yellowstone. NPS/Falgoust

01/24/2025

“Winter may be beautiful, but bed is much better. “ -Toad (Frog and Toad)

In winter, toads may burrow into the ground, often 1–3 feet deep, to insulate themselves from the cold. They may use existing mammal burrows, ant mounds, or a tasteful winter retreat listed on Toad Abode, the short-term accommodation market for amphibians on the go. Hot tub? Better jump on that one. Once settled in, they’ll enter a state of torpor, where their metabolism, heart rate, and breathing rate slow down to conserve energy. Less activity means less mess to clean upon departure. Did you see that cleaning fee?

Image: Closeup of a Fowler toad reading rental reviews. NPS/Cook

01/23/2025

01/21/2025

Three hours later…⁣
⁣
Your heart is saying “I could hike up these boulders for hours!” (You know, the ones pioneers used to ride for miles?) However, your feet are saying, “You wore flip flops…no.”

Planning is an important step in being prepared and ready for your park adventure. Before heading out, check your map, ask a ranger, or visit the park website or the NPs app for news, updates, and recommendations.

Check out the handy trip planning guide for more tips at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/trip-planning-guide.htm

Image: Screenshot with text, “There’s nothing wrong with following your heart, but it never hurts to check the map too.”

01/20/2025

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working classes, and the oppressed around the world. Commonly called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or MLK Day, the third Monday of January is a federal holiday to honor his life and legacy. Places where he made history and of the greater Civil Rights Movement he influenced are preserved in many national parks and in local communities around the country.

Today is also a day of service when thousands of volunteers participate in service projects across the country, including at national parks. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/mlk-day.htm

Image: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, part of National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington D.C.

01/20/2025

After every presidential election, the nation comes together to witness the newly-elected president and vice president take the Presidential Oath of Office in the heart of the nation's capital. The National Mall and Memorial Parks, Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, and The White House and President's Park serve as a backdrop for Inauguration Day.

Explore stories of past inaugurations and presidential sites preserved by the National Park Service at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/inauguration

Image: Looking up at the South portico of the White House.

01/19/2025

Does anyone know what the traditional gift for a 250th anniversary is? Asking for a friend…

Moisturizer? Actually, for or a Semiquincentennial (a fun way to say 250th anniversary), might we recommend a nice grant?

The NPS’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program honors the 250th anniversary of the United States by providing funding to restore and preserve sites and structures on the National Register of Historic Places that led to the founding of the nation. Applications are open for this round of Semiquincentennial Grant funding and are due on March 18, 2025.

Funding for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program comes from the Historic Preservation Fund, which sources revenue from offshore oil and gas leases, not tax dollars. Learn more about the Semiquincentennial Grant Program and other funding opportunities from the NPS at go.nps.gov/grants

Image: The San Xavier del Bac Mission in Arizona, a National Historic Landmark, was founded in 1700.

Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS

01/17/2025

Is reading cursive your superpower?

Nah? Okay, have a good one.

Oh, you’re still here. Well, we’ve got a project for you! The National Park Service and US National Archives are collaborating on a special project to transcribe the handwritten pension records of more than 80,000 of America’s first veterans and their widows. Not only could you be the first person in 200 years to learn their stories, but your efforts will make a permanent contribution to the nation’s historical record just in time for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Learn how to register and start transcribing at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/americanrevolution/revolutionary-war-pension-project.htm

P.S. You do not need to be an expert at reading cursive. It may help, but not everything is in cursive. Just saying.

Image: Graphic with a historical sketch of a soldier of the American Revolution, with the text, "Reading cursive is a superpower."

01/17/2025

On January 20, join parks across the country in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through special programs and a day of service. Many parks traditionally host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers. The day is also the first fee-free day of 2025.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/mlk-day.htm

Image: The two-story house at 501 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born, now part of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.

01/17/2025

“Be careful. That ice is slippery” - Everyone after you slip on ice.

Tis the season for trips, falls, and sliding down icy trails.

❄️ Remember to check park websites or ask a ranger upon arrival about trail conditions and any risks.

❄️ If on a trail, wear traction devices for your shoes to avoid those pesky slips, trips, and falls.

❄️ Give others room—if you slip, you could slide into someone else or visa-versa.

❄️ Bring people down by insulting their beanie choice, not by grabbing the back of their pants in a last-ditch effort to save yourself.

❄️ Slip like everyone’s watching…because they are.

For more winter tips, slide on over to: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/idkt_winter.htm

Image: Graphic with text, “Be careful. That ice is slippery” - Everyone after you slip on ice.”

01/15/2025

Crowning the classic National Park Service ranger uniform is the iconic, broad-brimmed “flat hat.” The hat was inspired by hats worn by Buffalo soldiers sent to protect Yosemite National Park and hats worn by Mexican Vaqueros. Both of these styles of hat had four small dents, or the “Montana Peak”, on the top. The flat hat was adopted into official uniform regulations in 1920, only four years after the establishment of the National Park Service, making it one of the oldest and most iconic symbols of the National Park Service.

Image: A close-up of a classic park ranger flat hat bathed in sunset light, resting on a rocky surface near the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia National Park.

01/14/2025

Ship’s Bread

Soldiers and sailors of the 18th century, both British and American, were all too familiar with this staple of life. Also called “hard bread” or “sea bread,” its names describe its basic traits. These roughly 2”-3” discs of bread, roughly ½” thick, were easily packed in barrels for long-distance travel. Baked until hard and having almost no moisture, it resisted mold growth.

Of course, being so dry and hard, it was inedible by itself. The soldier or sailor issued ship’s bread had to break it and soak it in whatever soup or stew was at hand.

Better than nothing, it kept body and soul together for countless soldiers and sailors. When more was available, the enlisted man took advantage! Private Joseph Plumb Martin, in his reprinted diary, “A Narrative of the American Revolution,” recounts how, “…we were marched off for the ferry. At the lower end of the street were placed several casks of sea-bread…nearly hard enough for musket flints; the casks were [open] and each man was allowed to take as many as he could, as he marched by. As my good luck would have it, there was a momentary halt made; I improved the opportunity thus offered to me…to get as many of the biscuit as I possibly could….”

This recipe version, with a few formatting edits, is from Beth Gilgun’s book, “Tidings from the 18th Century.” It has served our staff well for living history events!

2 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 tsp shortening or lard
½ cup water

• Mix flour and salt.
• Work in shortening until small crumbles form.
• Mix in roughly ½ cup water until a stiff dough forms.
• Remove from bowl, place on lightly floured surface.
• Beat dough with a mallet until it is about ½” thick.
• Fold dough over itself into 6 layers.
• Beat it thin again and re-fold and beat it about 5 or 6 times more.
• Before cutting into pieces, beat the dough to about ½” thick.
• Cut into squares about 2 inches across, and bake for 30 minutes at about 325ᵒ F.
• Store tightly covered, but it may be taken on scouts in a fabric bag.




(Image: Saratoga NHP)

01/14/2025

01/13/2025

Friend: “You already had a pinecone.”
Me: But what about second pinecone?

Okay, pine. Do deer eat pinecones? Deer are known to consume cones and pine needles, especially when there is a scarcity of other food sources during the winter. Is it their favorite? Meh. Deer get less picky when they are hungry (don’t we all), and evergreen trees and plants, like pine, offer much-needed calories and nutrients during colder weather. After a while, it just becomes hobbit. Habit. We meant habit.

Image: Fro-doe, is that you? Two Mule Deer checking out the pinecone situation on a snowy day at Rocky Mountain National Park. NPS/Schonlau