David C. Smith (historian)

David C. Smith (born December 10, 1930, died July 23, 2023) was an American historian specializing in the history of natural resources, particularly forestry, agriculture, and energy in North America. He was a professor emeritus of history at the University of Maine, where he taught for over 30 years.

Smith received his Ph.D. from Cornell University. His research focused on the environmental and economic impact of resource extraction and use. He authored several books, including A History of Lumbering in Maine, 1861-1960 (University of Maine Press, 1972), a seminal work in the field of forest history. Other notable works include The First Century of the University of Maine (University of Maine Press, 1979) and From Maine to Hawaii: The Memoirs of an Agricultural Man (self-published, 2016). He also co-authored and edited numerous other publications, and contributed articles to scholarly journals.

Smith was a respected scholar and educator, known for his meticulous research and engaging lectures. He received several awards for his work, including recognition from the Forest History Society. His work has contributed significantly to our understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly in the context of resource-dependent economies. He was a pioneer in the field of environmental history, and his work continues to be influential.