Celebrating a Century of Stewardship
For generations, Crater Lake has been a place of beauty and mystery. Almost one hundred years ago it became one of America’s first national parks. Next year we will celebrate that anniversary, and the landscape itself that has inspired so many for so long.

Numerous projects have been proposed as part of our centennial celebration. Sponsors are still needed for many projects, so this list should be considered tentative and subject to revision.

Will Steel’s Dream: The Crater Lake Legacy
A video program will document the efforts of William Steel, who labored for seventeen years to encourage the establishment of Crater Lake National Park. The program will be produced by Southern Oregon Public Television.

Crater Lake History Book
Crater Lake has been significant in the lives of people for thousands of years. Several Native American groups have long considered Crater Lake central to their cultures. European-American explorers re-discovered the lake in the mid 1800s, and in 1902, the lake and its surroundings became one of America’s first national parks. This book will explore the history of Crater Lake from its origins to the present day.

“...to forever preserve the beauty of Crater Lake and its unique ecological and cultural heritage, and to foster understanding and appreciation through enjoyment, education, and inspiration.” - Crater Lake National Park Strategic Plan

William Steel Drama
William Steel spent seventeen years building support in Congress and among the public to establish Crater Lake National Park. He helped found the park’s first concession company, then served as its second superintendent. He played an active – and sometimes controversial – role in the management of the park until his death in 1934. A one-man drama is being written to commemorate Steel and his role in the park’s history. A traveling exhibit will accompany the drama as it tours throughout the state of Oregon during the centennial year.

Artists-in-the-Park Program
From October 2000 to October 2001, artists have been invited to compete for residencies of 2-12 weeks at Crater Lake National Park. Artists stay in park housing and are provided studio space. The artworks they produce will be included in an exhibition at the Schneider Museum of Art in 2002.

Dates to Remember May 2002 Anniversary of the establishment of Crater Lake National Park; receptions in Klamath Falls, Medford, and Roseburg August 25, 2002 Centennial Celebration and Rededication at Crater Lake National Park October 4-6, 2002 Symposium at Southern Oregon University, Ashland; Crater Lake Centennial art exhibit opens at the Schneider Museum of Art, Ashland

Centennial Celebration, May 2002
The bill establishing Crater Lake National Park was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 22, 1902. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of this date, receptions have been proposed in the gateway communities of Klamath Falls, Medford, and Roseburg.

Centennial Celebration, August 25, 2002
Since Crater Lake National Park typically has more than five feet of snow on the ground in late May, our primary centennial celebration will be held in August, on the anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service in 1916. Suggested events include a park rededication ceremony and an antique car show.

Crater Lake National Park Employee Reunion
Hundreds of individuals have served at Crater Lake National Park over the past century. An employee reunion will invite all current and past employees to return to celebrate one hundred years of service.

Special Issue, Journal of the Shaw Historical Library
The Shaw Historical Library will publish a special issue of their journal in recognition of the park’s centennial.

Symposium at Southern Oregon University
For more than a century, scientists and educators have investigated the unique ecology and geology of Crater Lake, and artists have interpreted its beauty. An interdisciplinary symposium jointly sponsored by Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Institute of Technology will celebrate the many ways that Crater Lake continues to inspire us.

Crater Lake Science and Learning Center

The historic superintendent's residence may house part of the proposed Science and Learning Center

The Crater Lake Science and Learning Center is intended to bring together scientists, artists, and educators to work toward a common goal of effective natural and cultural resources stewardship and education. The Center will provide support for individual researchers and educators ranging from K-12 through the nation’s university system. Its emphases will be to attract high quality, focused investigations, and to incorporate information from scientific research into management decisions, interpretive programs, and educational materials.

Centennial License Plate
A license plate featuring Crater Lake National Park has been proposed in recognition of the park’s 100th anniversary. The license plate would focus attention on Oregon’s only national park, and would give Oregon vehicle owners a way to show support for park programs. The special license plate would also promote travel to Crater Lake and the state of Oregon through its use by Oregon motorists.

An Act of the Oregon Legislature will be needed in order to establish a Crater Lake Centennial License Plate program.