From City Kid to Nature Lover

Brian and Morgan Cromwell, members of the National Park Foundation’s Champions Society, grew up in the glitter of a city and learned as an adult that the country is surrounded with the gems that are our national parks. In this Donor Story, Brian Cromwell tells his journey in discovering these national treasures and how it has led to his family’s contributions to the National Park Foundation.

I was born and raised in the New York City tri-state area. I’m a true city kid. After I graduated from law school, a friend suggested that we take a cross-country driving trip. I hadn’t seen much of the country, so I agreed.  

We decided to drive through Utah because the pictures of the state looked intoxicatingly attractive. The plan was to hike the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park. We were woefully unprepared for the 110° weather, with only one bottle of water each! But we set out on our hike. Today, I can only describe it as a religious experience. The rugged beauty, the sheer vastness, the wonderful feeling of solitude … I was hooked! Since then, I have visited at least one national park every year.  

Cromwell Family at White Sands National Park

Cromwell Family

When I met my wife, Morgan, she embraced my love and respect for our National Park System. When our son was born, we named him Theodore Parks Cromwell after Theodore Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, and our National Park System. Yes, we are all in! And today, we’re so grateful to live an easy drive away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

We LOVE our national parks. Morgan and I take Parks and our daughter, Alexis, to a park every single year. It’s such an important part of our lives. While we support a number of charitable organizations, we decided to support the incredibly important work of the National Park Foundation. We are so happy to be members of the Champions Society and plan to continue supporting the National Park Foundation on an annual basis, as well as in our estate planning.

I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the majesty of our parks, and we are delighted to do our part to protect our country’s crown jewels.