The Explorer Series
Osa Helen Johnson
Born: March 14, 1894, Chanute, Kansas
Died: January 7, 1953, New York, New York
Nationality: American
Occupation: Explorer & Filmmaker
Adventure: The world, mostly Africa.
Osa was a quite the explorer. She was always eager to try anything, from flying planes to riding zebras! She had no fear, just an incredible amount of curiosity and a full, adventurous heart. Osa shared her experiences through writing, producing, and directing, utilizing books and film to show us the world through her eyes.
Osa met her match in travel photographer Martin Johnson. The pair married May 15, 1910, and by 1917 they began traveling the globe together, making films to document their discoveries. Best friends, business partners and soulmates their enthusiasm for life inspired others and unearthed opportunities for education and entertainment. They led a lifestyle of new challenges, laughter, and creativity, always looking to expand their minds and abilities.
A true team, they traded off creative focus with survival duties to be sure that they would not only enjoy a full life, but also a long one. For example, while in the wild a rhino charged Osa and Martin. Osa brought it down, while Martin captured the entire encounter with his camera. Talk about teamwork. The Johnsons promoted their films with lecture tours, and in 1940 Osa released the best-selling memoir I Married Adventure. Today, the Johnsons' films, photos, and story can still be seen in Disney's Animal Lodge and at the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in their home state of Kansas.
Incredible individuals and an inspiring couple. It's no wonder Osa and Martin are idols to many modern day explorers.
