A MUSEUM highlighting the impact of one of Dunbar’s most famous sons has celebrated turning 20.
John Muir’s Birthplace opened its doors on the town’s High Street on August 23, 2003.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of visitors have passed through the doors of the house he was born to find out more about the man who was instrumental in forming the United States’ national park system.
Last week, a special celebration took place to mark the museum’s 20th anniversary, with guests ranging from trustees of the John Muir Birthplace Charitable Trust and East Lothian Council staff to representatives from schools and local organisations.
Muir was born in the coastal town on April 21, 1838, and developed a love of the natural world.
That passion was the base for a lifelong journey of exploration, revelation, hardship and wonder.
His introduction to Yosemite Valley, California, resulted in his campaign to preserve wilderness for wilderness’ sake and led to the establishment of the world’s first national park system.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Provost and trustee of John Muir Birthplace, highlighted the impact Muir had made in the USA, Dunbar and beyond.
He said: “Muir was part of a continuum – he was inspired by those before him and in turn went on to influence many others to appreciate, value and protect the natural environment and so understand its crucial role in our survival.
“His story, together with that of his forerunners and those who followed, illustrate how social, political and economic issues are closely connected to environmental devastation and climate crisis.
“We can look to John Muir and others to create a new story for our future and for our communities.”
— John Muir's Birthplace (@JM_Birthplace) August 24, 2023
Since the birthplace opened its doors, more than 220,000 people have visited.
Guests have included direct descendants of Muir, the then Prince Charles and Prince Edward, tourists from all over the world, local residents and schoolchildren.
Other milestones for the birthplace include achieving VisitScotland 5-star visitor attraction and Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold status, the TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award, and John Muir Conservation Award (non-profit organisation) from the John Muir Association in Martinez, USA.
John Muir’s Birthplace also marks the eastern end of the John Muir Way, which is one of Scotland’s Great Trails.
Many visitors have completed the long-distance walk, which stretches from Dunbar to Helensburgh and was launched in 2014, on the centenary of John Muir’s death.
Those completing their travels at the Dunbar end of the route have an additional incentive to visit the museum, where they can collect their John Muir Way completion certificate.
Each year up to 1,000 school pupils participate in the John Muir citizenship project, run in collaboration with East Lothian Council’s landscape and countryside and arts services.
The project provides opportunities for pupils to engage hands-on with stories about John Muir and the natural world around them.
The trust has outlined plans to update and upgrade part of the exhibition which focuses on Muir’s life as a campaigner and activist.
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