P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
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209 372-0529 phone
209 372-0371 fax

August 21, 2002
For Immediate Release

Yosemite National Park Ranger Receives Regional Freeman Tilden Award

Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson is the recipient of the 2002 Regional Freeman Tilden Award, which is the highest award given by the National Park Service in recognition of outstanding achievement in interpretation and education. He is one of 7 finalists to be considered for the 2002 National Freeman Tilden Award. The national award will be presented in November at the National Interpreters Workshop at Virginia Beach.

Johnson has received this honor for overall excellence in interpretation. Of special note is his living history presentation of the role of Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks at the turn of the 20th century. African American Cavalry were among the first stewards of these parks.

Johnson feels that it is the compelling story of Buffalo Soldiers that has made his program as successful as it is. "The story itself is powerful," said Johnson. It is also a very demanding program. "It's the only program where I use all my skills: as an actor, a writer, a poet, a musician, and a horseman."

The story is more powerful because of the compelling storyteller. People come to the park specifically to see Johnson's living history program. He plays Elizy Boman as a member of the U.S. Army 9th Regiment Cavalry. Johnson gives a glimpse into the life of a young man that had few choices and whose authority and role was often contradictory. The success of this program is in part because of Johnson's ability to play that role convincingly.

"We have been aware of Shelton's excellent work for years," said Deputy Superintendent Kevin Cann. "It is gratifying to see Shelton recognized on this regional level. We are very proud of him."

Johnson is a native of Detroit, Michigan and has worked for the National Park Service for 16 years. Prior to working in Yosemite National Park, he has worked for Great Basin National Park, National Capitol Parks, and Yellowstone National Park.

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