Author Will McLean Greeley will present “A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington: Senator George P. McLean, Birdman of the Senate” at the next meeting of the Nasketucket Bird Club.
This is the story of how Connecticut’s George P. McLean helped establish lasting legal protections for birds, overseeing passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, landmark environmental protection legislation that is still in effect today. Greeley, McLean’s great-great nephew, puts McLean’s victory for birds in the context of his distinguished 45-year career marked by many acts of reform during a time of widespread corruption and political instability. David Allen Sibley, author and illustrator of The Sibley Guide to Birds, writes of the book: “On one level this is a fascinating, and thoroughly researched, glimpse into the workings of U.S. politics in the early 20th century. On another level, it’s an inspiring story of one man’s determination and steadfast commitment to securing legal protections for birds. I am glad to know more about George McLean.” “A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington” was published by the Rochester Institute of Technology Press in March 2023.
The event will be on Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library (7 Barstow Street) and online. Free, all are welcome. For the Zoom link, see our website at www.nbcbirdclub.com.