Husband and wife duo Olaus and Margaret Murie, along with Olaus’ brother Adolph Murie, were a formidable team of 20th century conservationists. Their work influenced generations of scientists and nature lovers and contributed to the development of the Wilderness Society.
Olaus was born in 1889 and became known for his work in early wildlife ecology and conservation. Olaus and Margaret married in 1924. Margaret spent her lifetime involved in scientific research and conservation activities. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work and was considered by many to be the grandmother of the modern conservation movement.
Adolph, born 10 years later than his brother, spent his career studying wolves, grizzlies and coyote. The family home, known as the Murie Ranch, near Moose, Wyoming is now a National Historic Landmark.
Learn more about this remarkable family in the Murie Family papers at UW’s American Heritage Center.