The National Scouting Museum–Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico was officially dedicated on September 15th, 2018. After one and a half years of construction, the vision of combining the National Scouting Museum, previously located in Irving, Texas, and the Philmont Museum–Seton Memorial Library is complete.
“These two historic institutions are now one comprehensive museum which will tell the story and preserve the legacies of the Boy Scouts of America,” says Kevin Dowling, Philmont’s general manager.
Visitors can experience the 108-year history of the BSA through priceless Scouting artifacts and fascinating exhibits. They’ll learn the story of Scouting, the Order of the Arrow, Philmont and the American Southwest.
The 19,500 square feet of interior space allows for a gift shop, library with reading room and visiting scholar’s room, two large exhibit halls, and an 88-person conference room. A big workshop, administration area and two-room collection storage area are new luxuries for the staff.
To illustrate the importance Ernest Thompson Seton played in the creation and support of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica, and his connection to conservation through The Campfire Club of America this plaque was dedicated as part of the ceremony and resides near the entrance to the complex.

“The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans”
“We and the beasts are kin”
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you”
“There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country”
“Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land”
“A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children”
“...conservation of land and conservation of people frequently go hand in hand”
“Like the resource it seeks to protect, wildlife conservation must be dynamic, changing as conditions change, seeking always to become more effective”
“Try to leave this world a little better than you found it and, when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best”
“The purpose of conservation: The greatest good to the greatest number of people for the longest time”
“Leave this world a little better than you found it”