Present at the Creation: Robert M. Utley Recalls the Beginnings of the National Historic Preservation Program

This article, the product of an interview with Robert M. Utley, is part of the Pioneers of Public History series. It chronicles Utley's life and his accomplishments as a pioneer public historian. The interview begins by covering Utley's early years and his growing love of history. It then treats Utley's extensive career as a public historian, ranging from his role as a military historian for the Joint Chiefs of Staff to his many years working for the National Park Service. Utley also comments on the evolution of the field of public history.