© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lansing exhibit chronicles MI man who “invented the outdoors”

Safety axes were Webster Marbles first successful product. 'Inventing the Outdoors' is at the Michigan Historical Museum through Sept. 11.

The knife, the ax, the compass and the matchbox. Yooper Webster Marble said that’s all you need to go deep into the woods. A new Lansing exhibit “Inventing the Outdoors” takes us on a classic Michigan experience.

Lansing’s Michigan Historical Museum presents the exhibit "Inventing the Outdoors," which details the story of native son Webster Marble. Marble was a woodsman, inventor and businessman who manufactured a wide range of tools for use in an outdoor setting.

"Inventing the Outdoors" shows how Marble’s ideas allowed for a shift in the public’s view of the forest, from an exploitable set of resources to a landscape that could be enjoyed as recreation.

Current State’s Peter Whorf speaks with museum executive director Sandra Clark.

Related Content
WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.