Bert the Turtle, Rockland, ca. 1957

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

The symbol for a national Civil Defense promotional effort was Bert the Turtle, who taught children how to "duck and cover" in case of danger.

A live Bert, a 50-pound North African sea turtle, appeared on a float at the Rockland Seafood Festival in the late 1950s.

C. Bruce Wright, public relations director of the Maine Civil Defense and Public Safety Department, acquired the turtle from a Brunswick doctor who had gotten it from sailors at Brunswick Naval Air Station. It became a popular attraction promoting civil defense in Maine.

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About This Item

  • Title: Bert the Turtle, Rockland, ca. 1957
  • Creator: C. Bruce Wright
  • Creation Date: circa 1957
  • Subject Date: circa 1957
  • Location: Rockland, Knox County, ME
  • Media: Photographic print
  • Object Type: Image

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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