Donate & Project Details

a welcoming place for wonder

Springsong Museum is a 501(c)(3) public charity (registered as "Rachel Carson Place of Wonder").

EIN: 87-0956593

A donation through the PayPal button above is appreciated, but checks may also be sent to:

"Rachel Carson Place of Wonder" at 10620 S. Dunmoor Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20901

Please consider supporting our immediate funding needs through a donation today!

Your gift will allow us to finalize the conceptual planning phase and support our talented project team that includes:

Additionally, current fundraising allows us to:

Build and maintain our website.
Pay administrative and organizational fees.
Enhance our outreach locally and beyond.

Once our project is has been approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board, future fundraising will allow the Springsong to:

Bring Burnt Mills East building (designed for originally for industrial use) up to code
Renovate the property to create a beautiful, accessible community museum

And develop:

Educational program offerings for field trips by students from MCPS and other local schools.
Resources for Child-Adult exploration on-site and beyond, influenced by Carson's philosophy on the importance of such a relationship.
An exploration of the site’s pre-colonial history, including its connection with the Nacotchtank people.
A launching point for ecologically-interpreted access to the NW Branch trails, for children & adults, with signage in English, Spanish, and Amharic. Visitors could hike along the ‘torrent and gorge’ area just downstream from the building or head upstream for a 5 mile hike that would take them to Carson’s house and back.
A wheelchair-accessible observation deck to ensure that everyone can experience the dynamic beauty that this section of the NW Branch has to offer.
An indoor/outdoor program showcasing local art and artists.
An exhibit featuring local unsung nature heroes, as determined by visitors and online submissions and support.
A formal relationship with a local independent bookshop, providing museum visitors book-shopping opportunities and offering the retailer a beautiful venue for book launches and other author events.
An annual International Literary Speakers Series (recognizing that Carson is revered-- as much or more abroad than in the U.S.-- for her beautiful and visionary writing).
Support for a county project to build a pedestrian/bike bridge to ensure safe passage across Colesville Rd./Rte 29 (or alternatively, a tunnel under the NWB bridge allowing for continuity of the NWB trail and safer crossing for wildlife).

While we are excited to repurpose this space to benefit the public and share Carson's ideas, we recognize the important contributions continuing to be made by the Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance, headquartered at the Rachel Carson House. To support RCLA, please visit https://rachelcarsonlandmarkalliance.org/support-rcla/.

Northwest Branch at Burnt Mills, Silver Spring, Maryland 2.5mi downstream from Rachel Carson's home.

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Extensive native gardens along the perimeter of the parking lot and around the building, with wheelchair-accessible pathways. and interpretation conveying the importance of each plant to our local ecosystem.

A wheelchair-accessible overlook near the building along the 'torrent and gorge' section of the NW Branch of the Anacostia River, allowing for all visitors to safely experience the beauty and dynamism of the natural features of the Fall Zone and also providing a potential space for small private ceremonies.

A safety fence along Colesville Road

Small pump house (repurpose TBD)

BUILDING

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Entry atrium: Information and welcome center; Exhibit focused on the land of Burnt Mills, specifically the history of the Nacotchtank/Anacostan people and perspectives of the Piscataway tribes today; an elevator making each floor of the building accessible to all visitors.

First floor: Interactive, sensory-diverse exhibits designed to inspire awe for nature and sense of wonder for all ages focused on two major themes: 1) Welcoming visitors to backyard nature identification (birdsong, trees, and more) and 2) Fundamental elements of ecology highlighting nature’s interconnections, as well as its patterns and cycles.

Second floor: Exhibit focused on the land of Burnt Mills and the Anacostia Watershed focused on the history of the Nacotchtank/Anacostan people and perspectives of the Piscataway tribes

Traditional exhibits focused on 1) an exploration of Carson's works (including Baltimore Sun articles, U.S. FWS publications, writings on 'wonder,' and books Under the Sea-Wind, The Sea Around Us, The Edge of the Sea, and Silent Spring), her community of local naturalists and acclaimed writers, and her life in the region and 2) a celebration of other local scientists and nature writers & artists (featuring changing subjects and traveling exhibits)

Third floor: Quiet reading and work space; Venue for community meetings.

Contribute today!

a welcoming place for wonder

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