THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™
An irreplaceable American era existed inside Yellowstone—
and it is quietly disappearing.
At the center of these stories is Yellowstone itself—its wildlife, wild lands, and natural resources, and the generations of people entrusted with understanding, protecting, and caring for them.Through documentary film, editorial publications, live storytelling, 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
Beyond the landscapes and wildlife was another Yellowstone—shaped by the people who lived and worked there.Rangers, naturalists, park staff, concessionaires, outfitters, families, and surrounding communities carried a culture that was learned by doing and passed from person to person through work, mentorship, storytelling, and daily life.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
Much of this knowledge was once passed through mentorship, storytelling, shared work, and daily life among the people and communities who called Yellowstone home.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.Many organizations work to protect Yellowstone and our national parks—their landscapes, wildlife, natural resources, and future.THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ occupies a different but complementary space: preserving the people, firsthand knowledge, and culture of stewardship that shaped how Yellowstone was understood and cared for across generations.
THE WORK HAS BEGUN
We are already filming firsthand interviews, gathering historic photographs and family collections, developing Season One, and building the foundation for future publications, exhibits, and live storytelling gatherings.This work is underway. Continued support determines how quickly it can grow.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK
THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ is being shaped by people with deep experience in Yellowstone, filmmaking, interpretation, and storytelling.
A RETURN TO THE CAMPFIRE
Beginning in 2027, THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ will bring the work to life through short documentary film, firsthand storytelling, archival photographs, and conversation.Inspired by Yellowstone’s historic campfire tradition, each gathering creates a place to honor the people, communities, and ways of life that shaped Yellowstone from the inside—and to keep those stories moving forward.
FOUNDING LEGACY SUPPORT
Pat and Ginger Povah, of the Hamilton Stores legacy, are founding legacy supporters of THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™. Their family’s connection to Yellowstone spans generations and reflects a long-standing presence in the life of the park.Their early support helped launch this work. Continued support from others will help keep the stories, photographs, and collections moving forward.
If this resonates—
there are a few ways to help carry it forward.
BECOME A FRIEND OF TRY
Help preserve Yellowstone’s human story. Friends support the recording of firsthand stories, preservation of historic photographs and collections, and the continued growth of THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™.
JOIN TRY MEMBERSHIP
Receive four collectible THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ editorial journals each year in print and digital editions—sharing the people, stories, photographs, and history of Yellowstone from the inside.
HONOR A YELLOWSTONE LIFE
Recognize someone whose life became part of Yellowstone’s story. A tribute made in honor, in memory, or in gratitude helps preserve the people, photographs, and stories that shaped Yellowstone from the inside.
PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS
Support the larger work through family, foundation, and business partnerships. Sponsorship opportunities also offer meaningful visibility across TRY publications, film, live gatherings, and other public-facing work.
SHOP TRY ARTWORK
BY LES HERMAN
Purchases of TRY artwork help support THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ and carry the preservation work forward.
STAY CLOSE TO THE FIRE
Receive updates—or share your Yellowstone story.