A Vision for the Future
Our vision is to create a world-class museum and community treasure in the midst of the community where Carson lived most of her adult life.
We will accomplish this through the transformation of an historic building, including a modern addition to complement the natural landscape. At Springsong Museum, children and adults, locals and tourists alike, will explore Carson's sense of wonder, respect for scientific rigor and courageous advocacy for a healthier environment.
Our plan is for Springsong to become a powerful tool for youth and community education to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. It will also be a hub for inclusive community action on sustainability issues and a national and international destination that helps put Silver Spring and the DC region at the center of global discussions about climate change and the environment.
As Rachel Carson's work centered on connections between living things and their environment, in addition to sharing her life and legacy, the museum will connect visitors to the history of the land through the diverse communities that have lived here, including the Nacotchtank/Anacostan peoples, mill owners and workers, and the Black community of Stewart Lane Chapel/Burnt Mills.
PROJECT UPDATE
FALL 2024
After receiving a strong Letter of Intent signaling Montgomery Parks’ goal to work towards a long-term lease agreement with Springsong, our design team and management have been meeting with Parks staff to further develop project details and ready the museum for Planning Board approval and the issuance of necessary permits.
The projected cost for the museum is $9M. We are grateful to have been awarded $1.25M from the State of Maryland to start us on our capital campaign journey.
Springsong has been endorsed by: U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, State Senator Will Smith, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Andrew Friedson, District 5 County Councilmember Kristin Mink, and At-Large County Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Evan Glass, Will Jawando, and Laurie-Anne Sayles.
With free admission and an interpretive framework centered on accessibility and a bridging of science, nature, literature, and art, this Silver Spring landmark will be a creative, transformative gathering place for all.
Join us in creating a museum that sparks wonder in our natural world, nurtures connection, celebrates courage, and inspires stewardship through the words and wonder of Rachel Carson.
An Inspirational Site
Springsong Museum will be located at Burnt Mills East in Silver Spring, Maryland, adjacent to the neighborhood where Carson lived as her literary career took off and just a few miles downstream from the home where Carson penned Silent Spring. Situated along the 21-mile Northwest Branch Hiking Trail at the dramatic “Fall Zone,” where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Coastal Plain, the museum will overlook ancient metamorphic boulders and a series of waterfalls.
Along major public transportation routes, there could hardly be a better location that offers both convenience and interaction with the dynamic natural beauty that Carson so loved.
Renderings by our design teams are preliminary plans
Support Our Mission Today
Property Plans
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.
Small outbuilding repurposed for outdoor education use
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.
Picnic tables and other places for visitors to sit and relax
Museum Features
Partnerships with local public and independent schools, aligned with current science curricula, including field trips to the museum
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 one of the houses where Carson lived.
A wheelchair-accessible observation deck to ensure that everyone can experience the dynamic beauty that this section of the NW Branch has to offer.
Plans & Programming
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).
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 one of the houses where Carson lived.
An indoor/outdoor program showcasing local art and artists.