Conservationist Rachel Carson portrayed in program

Author and conservationist Rachel Carson stunned the country and sparked the environmental movement with the publication of her groundbreaking book "Silent Spring" in 1962. The book was a best-seller and warned of the harmful impact of chemicals to the environment.

Actress and historian Leslie Goddard presents a first-person interpretation of Rachel Carson during a program at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Elmhurst History Museum's Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave.

A suggested donation of $5 is requested; free for members of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. The donation is payable at the door, and no registration is required.

In this living history program, Goddard will take the audience back to 1963 and share stories of Carson's childhood love for the living world, her passion for writing, and her work to awaken the world to the beauty and fragility of nature.

Goddard is well-known by audiences throughout the region as an engaging presenter with a broad range of portrayals of women from history in her repertoire.

The April 7 program is presented in conjunction with the Elmhurst History Museum's traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian, "Patios, Pools & the Invention of the American Backyard," which is open through May 29.