Roger Tory Peterson

Roger Tory Peterson (August 28, 1908-July 28, 1996) was an American naturalist and ornithologist (study of birds), illustrator, educator and one of the founding inspirations for the 20th century environment movement.  One of his notable works in 1934 was A Field Guide to the Birds. Among his many awards given to Peterson during his lifetime was the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  

Peterson was born in Jamestown, New York.  His father, Charles Gustav Peterson was an immigrant from Sweden who came to America as an infant.  At the age of ten, Charles Peterson lost his father to appendicitis and was sent off to work in the local mills.  After leaving the mills, he earned his living as a traveling salesman.  Roger's mother, Henrietta Badar was also an immigrant at the age of four who grew up in Rochester, New York.  She became a teacher and was teaching in Elmira, New York when she met Charles. They married and moved to Jamestown where Charles took a job at a local furniture factory.

Roger's middle name, Tory, honors his Uncle Tory who resided in Oil City, PA.  He graduated from high school in 1925 and went to work in one of Jamestown's many furniture companies.  One of his high school teachers, Miss Hornbeck, had encouraged his sketching and painting of birds/nature while he waited to earn enough money to buy a camera.  Several months after graduating he traveled to New York City to attend a meeting of the American Ornithologists' Union.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute Mission

Home to the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson's work, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a leader for the study, exhibition and nurturing of art that matters to the planet.  Through world class exhibitions and programs, RTPI illuminates the beauty of nature; challenges us to confront environmental issues of regional, national and global concern and inspires us to preserve the earth's biodiversity with a particular emphasis on the natural area wonders of Western New York.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a living embodiment of the Peterson Field Guide.  It is a trusted source of information, inspiration and illumination.  It is a gateway to the natural area wonders that inspired Roger to his career as one of the world's premier artist-naturalists and international ambassador for the protection of nature.  It is a leader for driving the cultural economy of Jamestown and the surrounding area. 

We believe ..

Art Matters .. among the many ways to raise awareness about conservation, art has a unique and underutilized power to engage hearts,  minds and hands.

Biodiversity Matters .. RTPI embraces the full diversity of the biological community

People Matter .. RTPI embraces the full diversity of the human community

Sanctuary Matters .. RTPI is a safe space, a refuge for nature, a place of reflection, renewal and rejuvenation for people

Speaking Out Matters .. RTPI takes no sides regarding politics but will always side with nature no matter the politics

Roger Tory Peterson's signature contribution to the arc of American Conservation Movement was the modern field guide.  Trained as an artist, Peterson understood the power of art to inform, inspire and illuminate people about the natural world.  His illustrated field guides allowed for easy, accurate identification in the field.  The experience of using the field guide has helped millions of people across the globe really see the natural world.  To be inspired by it.  To fall in love with it.  Throughout his multifaceted career, Peterson helped us to see the challenges, too .. the devastating impacts of pesticides, habitat loss and other environmental ills.  He also demonstrated that each and every one of us can make a difference in protecting the earth's diversity of plants and animals.