Scout Patch Collectors

Collecting and Preserving Western Pennsylvania Boy Scout History

Neal Bronder worked 10 years to build an amazing collection the right way. He did hundreds of hours of research to uncover the hidden history of Boy Scout camps in Western PA. He even published his research in a book on the topic to make sure the next generation would have this legacy. But for collectors the eye popping part of his work is the amazing set of frames that he assembled to document that history.

Neal has a lot to teach all of us. Instead of making a frame with a bunch of patches that is an over sized binder, he designed and made a literal historical museum panel for each council / OA lodge. He also molded together the history of the old OA Area alignment in Western Pennsylvania including documenting Area Chief names….of which his name is on the list too. For me he has almost set the bar too high! Now I am left trying to figure out how do I get someone to make me maps with council boundaries to print a backdrop for my displays. I hope you will be inspired by this interview video that I filmed at the Summit Trade-O-Ree in October of 2025.

If you appreciate Scouting memorabilia please subscribe to my YouTube channel. I also buy Scouting memorabilia collections! So if you have one that needs a new home please email/text/call me from my contact information on the website.