Earth Day History
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 U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. In 2020, the Wisconsin Historical Society is celebrating BIG moments in Wisconsin history, including the significant impact that individuals like Nelson and others 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.
A Champion of Our Earth
In 1969, Wisconsin U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson came up with an idea that would become his lasting legacy. Nelson suggested a full day dedicated to teaching and learning about the environment, believing that if people only knew more about the environment, they would demand better protection. See how Nelson’s efforts led to the first Earth Day by reading the article below.
Learn MoreThe Gaylord Nelson Historical Collection
Gaylord Nelson Gallery
Earth Day Documents
Speeches on Issues
Nelson Newsletter
Explore More History
Learn more about the history of environmental conservation in Wisconsin and beyond through the historical essays below.
The Modern Movement
Aldo Leopold
John Muir
Physical Geography
More Historical Essays
Conservation in Wisconsin | Increase Lapham | Jerry Apps | The Birth of Lake Delton | School ForestsFascinating 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
More Historical Items
Increase Lapham Papers | Earth Day Art | 25th Anniversary of Earth Day menu | Earth Day advertisement | Civilian Conservation Corps PosterCompelling 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
Passenger Pigeons
Read More Through the Wisconsin Historical Society Press
More Historical Press Books
Jens Jensen: Writings Inspired by Nature | The Civilian Conservation Corps in Wisconsin: Nature's Army at Work | Great Lakes Chronicle: Essays on Coastal Wisconsin | Every Root an Anchor: Wisconsin's Famous and Historic Trees | Beyond the Trees: Stories of Wisconsin ForestsSupport 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
