Historical context

Martin and Osa Johnson were an adventurous American couple known for their pioneering work in documenting exotic wildlife and indigenous cultures through photography and film in the early 20th century.

Martin Elmer Johnson was born on 9 October 1884 in Rockford, Illinois. He developed an interest in photography and exploration at a young age. Osa Helen Leighty was born on 14 March 1894 in Chanute, Kansas. She married Martin in 1910.

First expedition (1917-1919): Martin and Osa Johnson first became famous for their exploration of the South Seas, including the Solomon Islands and Borneo. They recorded these adventures in their book “Cannibal-Land” and the film “Among the Cannibal Isles of the South Seas”.
African expeditions (1920s-1930s): The Johnsons are best known for their numerous expeditions to Africa. They documented the wildlife and life of indigenous tribes in East and Central Africa. Their notable works include:
“Safari” (1928): A documentary film capturing the wildlife of Kenya.
“Congorilla” (1932): The first sound film to feature African wildlife.
“Baboona” (1935): Documents their travels through Kenya, Uganda and the Belgian Congo.

The Johnsons were pioneers in the use of film cameras in remote and dangerous places. Their work introduced American and European audiences to exotic and unfamiliar parts of the world and sparked interest in wildlife conservation and ethnographic studies.

They wrote several books describing their adventures, including “I Married Adventure” by Osa Johnson, which became a bestseller.

The couple’s films and lectures raised awareness of the need to protect wildlife and respect indigenous cultures. They were among the first to document and highlight the plight of African wildlife.

Osa Johnson’s later years: After Martin’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1937, Osa continued the couple’s legacy by writing books and lecturing about their adventures until her death in 1953.

Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum: Located in Chanute, Kansas, the museum houses many of their artefacts, photographs, films and personal items. It serves to educate the public about their work and the importance of wildlife conservation.