The Rachel Carson Homestead Association is charged with the preservation of the birthplace and childhood home of Rachel Carson. She was born on May 27, 1907 in this small, five room farmhouse in the newly formed borough of Springdale. The clapboard house originally stood on approximately 65 acres of land overlooking the Allegheny River. The Carson family lived in Springdale until around 1930 and the homestead passed through several owners until it was stewarded by the Association in 1975.

The Homestead is currently closed during Phase 1 of our restoration.  Stay tuned for more details of the building envelop improvements and our reopening.

Docent led tours of the Rachel Carson Homestead will be available throughout the summer on these dates and by appointment. For an appointment, leave a message at the contact Us tab. All times are 12-3. The dates are:

o Sunday, May 27

o Sunday, June 10

o Saturday, June 23

o Saturday, July 7

o Sunday, July 22

o Saturday, Aug 11

On May 18th we will celebrate the completion of the 1st Phase Restoration of the Homestead thanks to a $130,000 County CITF Grant and probono support from Pfaffmann + Associates. In addition, a 15,000 RCAP grant advocated for by Senator Ferlo allowed the Homestead to develop an important Interpretive Plan by Zwelling Associates to guide the future development of exhibits and programs. Stay tuned for a new Strategic Plan. As we are unstaffed at this time board members are volunteering to open the house on a schedule to be announced.

The Steinway piano that has been gracing the parlor during the Homestead’s time as a museum was built in 1874.  Although the piano is in good condition, many of the keys are not longer producing a tone.

The Rachel Carson Legacy Conference will take place at Chatham University on October 27, 2012.  Check back for our official announcement and for more details soon. Read more »

Here are some great articles to read to catch up on what is going on with RCHA. We hope you enjoy them!

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