Celebrating Big Moments: Earth Day and Leaders of Land Ethics in Wisconsin

April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. While decades later Earth Day is celebrated around the world, this annual event has humble beginnings right here in Wisconsin, as the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson. In 2020, the Society is celebrating BIG moments in Wisconsin history, including the significant impact that individuals like Nelson, those interested in environmental conservation, have had on the history of the state. Learn about this impact through the articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell these compelling stories.

First and Foremost Stewards

As we celebrate Earth Day, we recognize Indigenous peoples as the first and foremost original stewards dedicated to caring for the environment and the Native Nations who continue to work tirelessly to protect the land and its resources—from a depth of nearly 14,000 years through today. We honor and thank the 12 contemporary Native Nations of Wisconsin for their ongoing contributions and efforts to protect this shared place that we all call home.

The Gaylord Nelson Historical Collection

Gaylord Nelson Gallery

Earth Day Documents

Environmental Speeches

Nelson Newsletter

Explore More History

Learn more about the history of environmental conservation in Wisconsin and beyond through the historical essays below.

The Modern Environmental Movement

Aldo Leopold

John Muir

Physical Geography of Wisconsin

Fascinating Items from Our Historical Collections

The Society has thousands of items related to environmental conservatons available to explore in our online collections, and these collections are always growing. Explore some of these amazing items and the stories behind them below.

John Muir Clock

Civilian Conservation Corps Trunk

Maps & Atlas Collection

Burt's Solar Compass

Compelling Images from the Our Historical Collections

Earth Day

Greenhouses

Hiking

Human impact on our environment

It is important to understand the impact that humans have had on our environment. View items from our collections below related to this impact.

Giant Punt Gun

Blitz Fog Pesticide

Beaver Top Hat

The Exinction of Passenger Pigeons

Read more through the Wisconsin Society Press

You can find Wisconsin Historical Society Press books at your favorite book retailer or library.

The Land Still Lives

Gaylord Nelson: Champion for Our Earth

Seventh Generation Earth Ethics: Native Voices of Wisconsin

Banning DDT: How Citizen Activists in Wisconsin Led the Way

Visit the Society to Explore More

The items featured on this page, and those available to explore online, are just a fraction of the Society’s extensive collections on this and many other topics. The Society archives preserves the papers of many influential environmentalists, including Sigurd F. Olson, Spencer Black, Lorrie Otto, Harold “Bud” Jordahl, the records of the Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter, and much, much more. The Society’s library and archives are free and open to the public, and we encourage you to visit and explore them. Click here to learn more about searching the library collections and planning your visit to the Society.

Support the Preservation of Wisconsin's History

Make a BIG impact by supporting the Society's efforts to continue to collect, preserve, and share stories about environmental conservation, and all Wisconsin history.

Explore Wisconsin's History

You can find out more about our history in these pages focusing on other monthly celebrations!

Black History

Women's History

History Is Happening

Pride History

Women's Suffrage Centennial

Wisconsin During WWII

Political History

Hispanic Heritage History