As the signature event of the 50th anniversary celebration of alumna Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University will host the 2012 Rachel Carson Legacy Conference on October 26 in the Eddy Theater on the Shadyside Campus.

During the event, the American Chemical Society will present Chatham with a plaque that designates the Legacy of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The American Chemical Society’s National Historic Chemical Landmarks program was established in 1992 to honor seminal achievements in the history of chemical science and technology.

“Our Planet and Our Health: The Impact of Silent Spring after 50 Years" will feature panel discussions about preventing contamination of the planet and the evolution of chemistry practices throughout the past 50 years.

Francesca Santoro, Ph.D., Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO program manager, will give the keynote address “Messages from our oceans: A reflection on Rachel Carson’s predictions.”

Carson’s “Silent Spring” brought global attention to the consequences of unrestrained use of toxic pesticides such as DDT. Among the actions taken in response to her work was a ban on DDT by the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency in 1976, more than a decade after Carson’s death.

The conference is open to the public. Registration costs $50. Students with a valid ID may register for $20.

For more information, visit Chatham’s Rachel Carson Institute webpage.  Rachel Carson’s life and accomplishments are celebrated at the Rachel Carson Homestead website.

10/15/2012