A world of uniforms at the National Scouting Museum

This is the first in a series of articles in which we’ll spotlight some of the fascinating items housed in the collection of the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Tex.

At the 1963 World Jamboree in Marathon, Greece, Dr. T. Lindsay Baker obtained several International Scouting uniforms. Later, Dr. Baker, who attended that jamboree as a Scout, gifted them to the National Scouting Museum.

A former professor at Tarleton State University (in Stephenville, Tex.), Dr. Baker either collected or traded for the eight uniforms, which date from 1963 to 1976 and represent the United Kingdom, South Africa, Norway, France, Italy, Israel, and Poland. He bought two Polish uniforms in Warsaw in 1976.

Accompanying most of the uniforms are neckerchiefs, hats, belts, and other accessories. The South African uniform (at right) includes a hatband and neckerchief slide made from spotted cat skin (a no-no today) and a leather belt. Insignia on the uniform indicate it came from the Cape Midlands region.

Want to visit the National Scouting Museum?

Find visitors hours, a map, and more at the museum’s online home, bsamuseum.org.


1 Comment

  1. Outstanding! I love to see an interest in International Scouting & Scouting Heritage. Try to encourage your Scouts to learn more about vintage uniforms & international scouting efforts.

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