Oral History Interview with Robert G. Stanton, Director of the National Park Service: 1997-2001
Stanton RG and McDonnell JA. 2004. Oral History Interview with Robert G. Stanton, Director of the National Park Service: 1997-2001. Fairfax Station, Virginia
This oral history with Robert G. Stanton is the second in a series of interviews with prominent former National Park Service leaders. Three interview sessions were recorded over a period of months at Mr. Stanton’s home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, outside Washington, D.C. Few Park Service directors have had the breadth and length of service of Mr. Stanton. During his nearly forty-year career with the National Park Service, Mr. Stanton served as a seasonal park ranger, management assistant, park superintendent, deputy regional director, associate director, regional director, and director. Mr. Stanton’s experience of Park Service organization and operations at the park, regional, and national level has given him a unique perspective. This interview attempts not only to chronicle the various aspects of Mr. Stanton’s distinguished career but also to capture some of the valuable insights that he gained. The interview reveals to some extent the way in which Mr. Stanton’s modest upbringing and experiences early in life helped shape both his character and career. His early experiences combating segregated education in Texas shaped his character and his priorities later as director. During his tenure, he became keenly interested in promoting greater diversity within the National Park System and promoting opportunities for young people. The oral history reveals Mr. Stanton’s warm, engaging personality as well as his life-long passion for the national parks and his devotion to the National Park Service
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Stanton, Robert; McDonnell, Janet
- Date of Issue
- 2004-04
- Units
- GRTE , HIST , NCR , VIIS
- Keywords
- agency, Cultural Resource, Cultural Resources, Diversity, Education, ehistory, Environment, Environmental issues, Grand Teton, History, Interpretation, interview, issues, National Capital Region, National Park System, NPS, oral, partnerships, Resource, Vail, Virgin Islands