A riveting history of America"s most beautiful natural resources, "The Quiet World: Saving Alaska's Wilderness Kingdom, 1879-1960" documents the heroic fight waged by the U.S. government from 1879 to 1960 to save wild Alaska from industrial expansion. Join author Douglas Brinkley, Baker Institute fellow in history and an award-winning historian, on April 20 as he discusses how a colorful band of determined environmentalists created the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, preserving many of Alaska"s great wonders for future generations to enjoy.
Following the program, the institute will unveil a garden bench dedicated to the memories of Stone Weeks and Holt Weeks, two remarkable young brothers who were killed in the summer of 2009. At the time, Stone was the assistant and researcher for Brinkley. Holt was an intern for Chris Bronk, Baker Institute fellow in information technology policy, and had been accepted at Rice as a transfer student. Holt would be graduating this spring. In memory of the brothers, The Stone and Holt Weeks Foundation has been established to provide support to organizations that carry on the spirits of the young men and take action to make the world a better place for all. A reception will follow the dedication.