The National Archives Celebrates The 2007 Environmental Film Festival
Press Release · Thursday, February 8, 2007

With Free Film Screenings and a Special Tribute to “Silent Spring” Author Rachel Carson

Washington, DC…The National Archives celebrates the 2007 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital with free film screenings and a special document display that provide historical perspectives on environmental issues affecting our planet. The Boyhood of John Muir will be shown on March 16 (with a second screening on March 17), the 1963 CBS Reports television program The Silent Spring of Rachel Carson on March 22, and a document display related to Rachel Carson’s Federal service on display March 22–April 22.

These programs are free and open to the public and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, which is located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, NW, and is fully accessible. If you need to request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure proper arrangements are secured.

Family Film The Boyhood of John Muir —Friday, March 16, at 11 a.m.
Jefferson Room
Repeat screening: Saturday, March 17, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Boyhood of John Muir, directed by Lawrence Holt, explores the youth of Scottish emigrant John Muir, known today as the founder of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Club and as America’s first environmentalist. The film is a compelling look at the early life of America’s first great spokesman for wilderness. (1997, 78 minutes)

Film and Discussion: The Silent Spring of Rachel Carson—Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
In commemoration of the 100th birthday of influential environmentalist and author Rachel Carson, the National Archives presents a screening of the 1963 CBS Reports television program The Silent Spring of Rachel Carson (60 minutes). Hosted by Eric Sevareid and televised soon after the publication of Carson’s controversial book Silent Spring, which examined the dangers of pesticides to the environment and human health, the program features the rare appearance of Carson on film at her home in Silver Spring, Maryland, and her cottage in Maine. CBS aired the show despite receiving more than 1,000 letters of protest and experiencing the withdrawal of three major sponsors. Introducing the screening will be special guest Roger Christie, Rachel Carson’s adopted son. Following the screening, Christie will be joined by Diana Post, executive director of the Rachel Carson Council, to discuss the film and take audience questions.

Special Featured Document Display: Rachel Carson — March 22–April 22
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of naturalist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, the National Archives will display documents relating to her career as a Federal employee with the Bureau of Fisheries. East Rotunda Gallery. Exhibit Hours: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., daily.

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For Press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: 202-357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events on our web site. To contact the National Archives, please call 1-866-272-6272 or 1-86-NARA-NARA (TDD) 301-837-0482.

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