However, Thompson's cartoon is also a commentary on the rapid expansion of the National Park System in the 1960s under NPS Director George B. The play on Craters of the Moon National Monument (now also a preserve) is obvious and not surprising given the 'space race' between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the publicity given to the Gemini Program, at the time. He points to a sign that reads, 'Welcome to Craters on the Moon International Park.' The earth and satellites can be seen in the sky. His first cartoon features a ranger in a spacesuit standing on the moon, with two aliens. In 1967 Thompson drew four cartoons for the Courier. He later became chief naturalist at Lava Beds National Monument. Within 1½ years he was promoted to assistant chief naturalist. On December 2, 1962, he became a ranger at Dinosaur National Monument. He transferred to Joshua Tree National Monument the next year. After teaching for three years, Thompson joined the federal government.Īfter three years with another agency, Thompson's became a ranger in 1960 at Mount Rushmore National Monument. He also served four years in the US Navy. He earned BS degrees in art and geography from Valley State Teachers College and went on to get a master's degree in physical geography from Ohio State University. The first employee to have his cartoons printed in the Courier was Dale C. (NPS History Collection, HFCA 1645) Dale C. Thompson published in 'Courier' in January, July, and November 1967. It was known as 'Steve Mather's Family Newspaper,' after the first NPS director. By then, the employee newsletter was called the National Park Courier. The first NPS newsletter was created in April 1919, but cartoons weren't included until the late 1960s. Although it can be argued that they represent individual points of view, their publication in official or quasi-official newsletters suggests institutional support, providing a view into NPS organizational culture at any given time. In NPS newsletters, however, the cartoons were created by employees.

In most cases, those artists are external observers.

Cartoonists combine artistic talents with razor-sharp wits to shine light on political and social issues. Humor is a form of commentary that often reveals serious truths. The language, images, and features in these newsletters reflects who controls the narratives, employee and management divides, how women and minorities are valued, and when or how organizational culture-and sometimes by extension American society-shifts.

One of the places NPS culture-and recurring issues of concern to employees-can be seen is in internal communications such as servicewide employee newsletters in the NPS History Collection. It is shaped by its managers and employees, can be difficult to understand at times, and is slow to change. Like other large institutions, the National Park Service (NPS) has its own organizational culture.

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