THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™
An irreplaceable American era existed inside Yellowstone—
and it is quietly disappearing.Through short documentary films, live storytelling gatherings, archival imagery, and firsthand voices, THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ preserves and shares the people, communities, and ways of life that shaped Yellowstone from the inside.
THE WORLD INSIDE YELLOWSTONE
A hidden world existed behind the public image of Yellowstone.It was carried by the people who lived and worked there—the rangers, families, park staff, concessionaires, outfitters, interpreters, and communities connected to it.Much of it was never formally recorded. It was learned by doing, passed from person to person through work, mentorship, storytelling, and daily life inside one of the most extraordinary places in America.Rooted primarily in the generations who lived and worked in and around Yellowstone from the 1950s through the 1990s, THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ explores the people, communities, and ways of life that shaped Yellowstone from the inside.
Being a park ranger wasn’t just a job for us, it was home.— Les Inafuku, Yellowstone Ranger
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
There was a time when much of this knowledge was passed on through mentorship, storytelling, shared work, and daily life among the people and communities who called Yellowstone home.Some of the places where these stories were once shared—like the evening campfire talks and amphitheater programs—have grown quiet.As many of the people who carried this world are now gone or in their later years, much of what they knew risks being lost with time.Inspired by Yellowstone’s historic campfire tradition, TRY brings people together through film, storytelling, photographs, and live gatherings where stories, knowledge, and connection are shared from person to person.TRY exists to help carry those stories, experiences, and traditions forward—while the voices are still here.
Ranger Dale H. Nuss, 1953-Yellowstone Lake
—SEASON ONE—
A RETURN TO THE CAMPFIRE
Season One of THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ brings the project to life through an evening of short documentary film, firsthand storytelling, archival photographs, and conversation.Each gathering is designed to honor the people, communities, and ways of life that shaped Yellowstone from the inside while creating a place where those stories can continue to be shared.Guests will experience a short documentary film, hear firsthand stories from the people who lived and worked in Yellowstone, explore historic photographs and artifacts, and reconnect with a remarkable American era through the voices of those who knew it best.Inspired by Yellowstone’s historic campfire tradition, these gatherings invite people to come together once again—where stories, knowledge, and connection are shared from person to person.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK
Lori Nuss, FounderI grew up with the quiet hum of ranger life in my bones. My father wore the flat hat in Yellowstone for 35 years, and my grandfather owned and operated Camp Trails, a backcountry youth camp in the park, from 1928 to 1958.My memories of growing up in Yellowstone so often return to stories around campfires—ranger tales, close calls with grizzlies, backcountry patrols, and the occasional tourist mishap.THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ continues that tradition, carrying the lived knowledge of the park forward through the voices of those who know it best.I’m just one storyteller.
But I carry the echoes of many.
Braeden Meyer is a filmmaker whose work explores the relationship between people and the natural world.Working in an observational documentary style, he brings a steady, thoughtful lens to stories shaped by place, memory, and lived experience.
Linda Howard is a lifelong caretaker of public lands, with decades of experience in interpretation and storytelling.She brings a deep understanding of people, place, and memory to the work—helping shape the voices and stories at its center.
FOUNDING LEGACY SUPPORT
THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ is carried forward with the support of those who feel a deep connection to Yellowstone.Pat and Ginger Povah, of the Hamilton Stores legacy, are the founding legacy supporters of this work.Their connection to the park spans generations—reflecting a long-standing presence in the life of Yellowstone and the people who have experienced it.This work continues to take shape with others who share that connection.
If this resonates, there are a few ways to take part.
For individual or business partnerships:
STAY CLOSE TO THE FIRE
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