Longtime friend, scholar, artist, and author Jim Boone said those words about Peterson as The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History invited the public to join in celebrating the organization’s 35th anniversary. A number of former and current staff of RTPI, as well as an old friend shared remarks on Peterson and this institute.

“Today was a very special day for RTPI, with current and past staff, trustees, and supporters gathered to celebrate our 35th anniversary. Even though this was a day to share fond memories of Roger Tory Peterson and his tremendous accomplishments, it was also a day to celebrate how RTPI continuous to grow in its efforts to engage people in the appreciation and study of backyard nature,” RTPI President Twan Leenders said.

Leenders added that RTPI staff is continuously working with area schools, students and youth groups to coach area youth in environmental literacy and appreciation, and to create opportunities for them to engage in projects that educate and provide economic incentives to better stewards of their backyards.

“My entry into the world of Roger Tory Peterson started with a college ornithology class. Pretty soon I got excited about all the natural history subjects once I saw that RTPI had field guides too for them,” retired RTPI President Jim Berry said.

Twan Leenders speaking to guests on the outside of patio of RTPI. Photo by Amy Hudson

RTPI was founded 35 years ago. In 1984, a group of friends and colleagues of famed artist, naturalist and author Roger Tory Peterson founded the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in his hometown of Jamestown. One friend that helped with bringing in many items from Peterson’s estate, from artwork, writings, and other pieces, spoke on this occasion.

See RTPI,

“In drawing his portrait for the cover of Maryland Birdlife, I recognized his kinship with the hunting technique of the Great Blue Heron – laser focused on the task at hand, but mindful of why the task is necessary. His field guides matter because his aesthetic was tuned, just so, to teach people to teach themselves, giving them firmer ground to stand under new knowledge, which is the root meaning of understanding,” Boone added.

RTPI hosted a President’s Breakfast with various friends and donors of the institute. County Executive George Borello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell shared some remarks later. Their sentiments of the Chautauqua region were shared with Leenders.

“They underscored my personal belief that we live in a most beautiful part of the world, where our natural beauty and biological diversity is greatly under-appreciated. It is no surprise to me that Roger Tory Peterson’s illustrious career started right here in Jamestown,” Leenders added.

Jane Johnson, Director of Exhibitions and Marketing, talked about the various ways that RTPI reaches out to include the public, in part to drive up the same intrigued that captured Peterson’s imagination.

“One thing that we offer is adult art classes, six-week sessions. They (adults) end up painting a bird species of their choice. And it is all based off of Roger’s inspiration from his collection and his original artwork. We also have another art event on the third Wednesday of August, September, and October, called Art after 5. It is a bit of a happy hour event in which people can come view the galleries, enjoy live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres,” Johnson explained.

Anne Shettine, retired RTPI director of development, shared the impact that RTPI had on her life.

“I always loved the natural world, but working for the RTPI made it a major part of my life. I traveled to study polar bears in the north and Emperor penguins in Antarctica, and met world renowned artists and naturalists.”

Others from RTPI shared some more personal stories about Peterson. Marlene Mudge, a retired RTPI archivist, shared a story that she had read while working in the Peterson archives. She would joke with Peterson’s sons that she knew more about him than they did.

“Reading the correspondence between a young Roger and his mother and sister was a fascinating experience. He would send his laundry home on a train from New York City, and his mother would carefully pack a box of homemade cookies inside the clean laundry she sent back.”

Kathleen Evans, author and former RTPI volunteer coordinator and centennial Organizer, shared her knowledge of Peterson while growing up, hearing about anecdotes of him from her mother.

“Swedes themselves, my mother Lucille and her best friend Elna never tired of telling their children anecdotes about Roger, including his ever-present butterfly net and his inordinate obsession with the natural world. I was honored to meet him during the ribbon-cutting ceremony in 1993.”

Leenders concluded with his sentiments on the importance of environmental literacy and appreciation.

“It means the world to know that these efforts are understood and appreciated by our political leaders, because these are the types of actions that prepare the next generation of our region’s stewards and community leaders for a brighter future. I know that I speak for all of our trustees and staff that we are excited to keep growing our efforts over the next 35 years.”