Today in History: Earth Day
Today in History–April 22–the Library of Congress features Earth Day, first celebrated on this day in 1970. Earth Day was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin who wanted to raise public consciousness about air and water pollution. It is estimated that 20 million people nationwide attended events on the first Earth Day. Learn more about by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below.
Senator Gaylord Nelson biography
An Evaluation: Warren Knowles Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program Department of Natural Resources, October 2000
What’s on your Earth Day poster? learning activity
Articles & blog posts
- The First Earth Day April 22, 1970 America’s Library
- Celebrating Earth Day with Primary Sources Teaching with the Library
- Down to Earth Timeless Stories from the Library
- Earthrise and the First Earth Day, 50 Years Later Insights
- Earth Day – 40 years and counting Inside Adams
- Earth Day: Connect with Nature Today and Throughout the Year Teaching with the Library
- Earth Day at Fifty: April 22 Teaching with the Library
- Happy 50th Birthday, Earth Day! Inside Adams
- Earth Day: Connect with Nature Today and Throughout the Year Teaching with the Library
- Earth…There’s Only One NLS Music Notes
Event recordings
- Earth Day 2019
- “American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau”
- How Community Gardens Can Save America
Earth Day: Science Reference Guide
Related resources