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Title
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Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Fight to Keep Feathers off Hats
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Description
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The Migratory Bird Treaty Act grew out of a time when hats decorated with bird feathers were at the height of fashion, driving the killing of millions of egrets, herons, and other species. Early conservationists and women’s groups pushed back, arguing that style should not come at the cost of wildlife. Their efforts led to the 1918 law, which gave federal protection to migratory birds and helped species like the snowy egret recover. The story shows how a trend in clothing sparked one of the nation’s first major conservation victories and why the law still matters today as new threats to bird protection continue to appear.
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Date
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1890 – 1918
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Location - Physical Location
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U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
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Name
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Caroline Lewkowicz
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cites
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Wulfhorst, Ellen. “Migratory Bird Treaty Act Anniversary: Keeping Feathers off Hats.” Smithsonian Magazine, August 10, 2018. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/migratory-bird-act-anniversary-keeping-feathers-off-hats-180969077/
