Most people know the National Park Service by our logo – the arrowhead that you see on the sleeve of our uniforms or on the entrance signs that everyone HAS to take a picture of when they visit our parks. However, perhaps one of the most identifiable parts of the National Park Service uniform is also our broad-brimmed, high-crowned hat – referred to as a “campaign hat” or “flat hat.” 

I have worked for the National Park Service for almost 20 years, but had not been in a uniformed position since my first seasonal Park Ranger job. So that is the first myth dispelled- we don’t all wear the green and grey uniform. Since I was recently appointed as the National Park Service Superintendent of Boston Harbor Islands national park area, I’m quickly re-learning the significance of the uniform and how iconic the flat hat is.

The hat that we wear with our Class A uniform was first specified as National Park Service apparel in 1920. Since this was only four years after Congress created the National Park Service, the “flat hat” is one of our longest-standing traditions – even longer than the arrowhead, which was approved in 1951. 

As one might suspect, the design of our uniform and hat was influenced by the military. In the early years of national parks, U.S. Army mounted troopers patrolled the parks and enforced the law. In 1911, at a time when troopers were still patrolling some national parks, the first official uniform for civilian park rangers was approved. Not surprisingly, the first uniform still had a very military look to it in order to clearly identify its wearer as a park employee. The uniform has slightly evolved over time, but the “flat hat” has remained the same.

When I first came on board here in the winter, I ordered my uniform, but continued to wear pretty much the same business attire. Once our spring season began in May and public ferries began running to Georges and Spectacle Islands, it was time to uniform up. I’ve now stopped counting the number of times that I have worn the uniform and the “flat hat” versus civilian clothing (or “civis”), but that first time did bring a sense of honor and tradition. It also brought:

• shock and surprise: my National Park Service colleagues (as well as friends and family) have never seen me in uniform. If you are used to someone in business attire and see them in uniform, it’s definitely strange at first. The same can be said for someone that you are used to only seeing in uniform… the first time that you see them outside of work, you don’t recognize them.
• admiration and respect: numerous times, I have had people on the street say “Thank you for your service.” The uniform and hat do still have that military influence, but many of us are not veterans and not used to that sentiment. We are civil servants, and the uniform does bring a level of respect or admiration that I was not expecting. 
• charm and fascination: “Sir, can I take a selfie with you?” was one question that I got from a school-aged kid as I walked through the city. It’s not just a National Park entrance sign that presents a photo op- if you want a picture with the “flat hat” just ask!
• questions: the flat hat in particular, I believe, is the iconic and international symbol representing someone that will answer your question. “Excuse me Ranger, which train stop for the State House?” “Where is the Aquarium?” “How do I get to the Freedom Trail?” And, they were right to ask. If you see me or one of our Rangers, we’ll want to tell you about the Boston Harbor Islands, but ask us anything. Worst case scenario, we find out the answer together.

Since you may be wondering, here are some frequently asked questions about the famous flat hat:

Q: Can I wear your hat?

A: Everyone – including my wife – asks if they can try on the hat. Per uniform policy, all components of the uniform are to be worn only when on duty. We don’t even wear the flat hat when in civilian clothing. We’ll take that selfie with you, but NOT a good idea to share the flat hat.

Q: Is that Smokey the Bear’s hat?

A: Many people get confused thinking that Smokey Bear is the mascot of the NPS – he actually represents the US Forest Service, along with Woodsy the Owl. And, while Smokey wears a similar hat to us, he was created in the 1940s – 30 years after the NPS adopted the flat hat. So you might say that Smokey wears an NPS flat hat, not the other way around.

Q: Is that Pharrell’s hat?

A: One woman asked if we were wearing singer Pharrell Williams’ hat. While we are “happy” with his fashion choices, I would like to think that Pharrell was inspired by us.

Q: What island are you on today?

A: While my office is in the city, I try to be in the park as much as possible – which means being in uniform. So, when my son sees the uniform in the morning, he wants to know “What island are you on today?” Since the goal is all 34 by the end of the year, it was Thompson Island the other day, Georges today, and Spectacle on Friday. Now that our summer schedule is here, will I see you there?

Look for me and our Rangers in Boston or on the Boston Harbor Islands in our flat hats, and keep the questions coming! Also join me on Twitter on Fridays for #FlatHatFriday. Each week I post pictures of my flat hat from one of the many Boston Harbor Islands, and you have to guess which of the 34 islands that we are working on that day. And don’t forget to DISCOVER YOUR ISLAND PARK!