Maine Humanities Council

A one-week daytime seminar for 7th – 12th grade students who enjoy history

In 1962, a book called Silent Spring uncovered some shocking truths about common pesticides and the pollution and degradation of the environment that resulted from their use. Rachel Carson, a naturalist and author of the popular book The Sea Around Us, was inspired to write Silent Spring when a friend described the death of birds on her property after it was sprayed with pesticides. Its publication launched Carson into the role of spokesperson for the fledgling environmental movement and resulted in stronger regulations for hazardous materials. Rachel Carson’s eloquent work remains a lightning rod for conversation about the effects of human interference in natural ecosystems.

Want to know more about this outspoken scientist who changed the face of the environmental movement in our country? Come to History Camp 2011!

• Learn about Rachel Carson’s life and groundbreaking career.
• Study the impact of the environmental movement on U.S. history.
• Explore the local ecosystems and understand the connection between writing about science and history.
• Work with primary sources—letters, speeches, posters, cartoons, objects—the actual “stuff” of history.
• Understand the career options open to history majors. They are not all teachers and professors!

History Camp Staff

• Nicole Rancourt, Middle School Teacher
• David Hecht, Assistant Professor of History, Bowdoin College
• Pam Morgan, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, University of New England