On Monday, the 1983 film Never Cry Wolf will be shown as part of the Blockbusters Free Film Series at the Henry Ford Centennial Library. The film is based on the book by Farley Mowat, a Canadian environmentalist. His book, first published in 1963, drew upon his experiences studying Arctic wolves in Canada. Find a copy at the Dearborn Public Library, available in both print and audiobook formats.

On Thursday, The Henry Ford will host a lecture and discussion in the Benson Ford Research Center Conference Room. Around 1903 when The Call of the Wild was first published, writers such as Jack London were accused of being “nature fakers” and criticized for portraying animals as having human characteristics. Attend the lecture Was Jack London a “Nature Faker”? to learn more about this controversy.

Many more events are still to come in the following weeks!

     BLOCKBUSTER FILM SERIES – Never Cry Wolf

Date and Time: Monday, March 24, 2014, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126

Synopsis: A government researcher, sent to research the “menace” of wolves in the north, learns about the true beneficial and positive nature of the species (105 minutes, rated PG).

LECTURE – Was Jack London a “Nature Faker”? John Burroughs, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Nature Faker Controversy

Date and Time: Thursday, March 27, 2014, 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Location: The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center Conference Room, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124

Americans’ increasing interest in nature by the early 20th century led to the publishing of several new animal stories, including Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. Enter renowned naturalist John Burroughs, who attacked these stories as unscientific and their authors as ill-informed “nature fakers.” Eventually, even President Theodore Roosevelt became embroiled in the controversy. What were the points of view presented by each of these people? Which side of the controversy would you take? A discussion will follow this talk by Donna R. Braden, Curator of Public Life at The Henry Ford.