In early 1970, the United States’ new environmentalist movement conceived of the first-ever Earth Day, a day of action and awareness. New York City celebrated with an all-day rally at Union Square Park. Exhibitors at Union Square included groups focused on air, water, and noise pollution; urban public health issues such as pest control and lead poisoning; the conservation of wildlife and wild places; nuclear power, peace, and disarmament; population and food issues; and several other environmental and civic causes. (List of exhibitors , April 1970. William G. Conway records, circa 1900-2004 (bulk 1960-2003). Collection 1028.) Continue reading
Do you know how many bird species were in the Bronx Zoo’s collection in 1932, or how many people visited the zoo that year? Or when Ookie, the beloved, bewhiskered Pacific walrus, first appeared at the Aquarium? Or perhaps what wildlife conservation projects the New York Zoological Society sponsored in Indonesia in 1978? Whether you’re doing historical research, just curious, or stocking up for a really strange bar trivia night (we won’t judge!), you can now find the answers by searching the