Contact: Sue Haley, 508-255-3421 Cape Cod National Seashore will host a talk on Thornton W. Burgess on Saturday, September 27th at 2 PM at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Sandwich-based author Christie Palmer Lowrance will present this program on the life of the renowned 20th-century naturalist and children's author, who was born on Cape Cod.A keen observer of nature and impassioned conservationist, Burgess turned these interests into plots in his stories for children. The stories were hugely popular in the early 20th century. Characters in his books include Peter Rabbit, Jimmy Skunk, Sammy Jay, Bobby Raccoon, and Grandfather Frog. In addition to the dozens of children's stories and other writings, Burgess wrote a syndicated daily newspaper column called "Bedtime Stories" from 1912 to 1960. Lowrance is the author of Nature's Ambassador: The Legacy of Thornton W. Burgess. Her presentation will explore such topics as, Burgess' motivation to write 70 children's books; where and how he wrote them; his belief that nature is the universal teacher; and how the children's books helped pass the groundbreaking Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Copies of the book will be available for sale and Ms. Lowrance will autograph them. IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with staff to assist with activity planning. Visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift and bookstore featuring national seashore-related items. For more information about the seashore's programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco. ### |
Last updated: February 26, 2015