If you’ve ever read about the Cold War, you already know how unusual and tense that era could be. But if you need one more example of just how strange things sometimes became, this story is a good place to start.

During the Cold War, American schoolchildren regularly practiced hiding under their desks because an animated turtle told them to. His name was Bert the Turtle, and he starred in a government-produced safety film. As odd as it sounds, this instruction was considered an important survival tactic at the time.

The government was trying to teach ordinary people how to improve their chances of surviving a nuclear blast, and that effort led to the nationwide “duck and cover” campaign. But why did an animated turtle play such a big role in America’s nuclear preparedness plan? That is what this article explains.

Who Was Bert the Turtle?

Cold War tensions and new military capabilities created a need for widespread civil-defense education. To help communicate these messages in a way that did not frighten the public—especially children—the government hired a New York advertising agency to create a friendly figure who could explain safety steps.

That figure was Bert the Turtle, the animated character featured in the 1951 film Duck and Cover. Bert wasn’t based on a real animal; he was created specifically to model calm behavior.

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In the film, Bert retreats into his shell whenever something dangerous appears. Children were encouraged to do the same in a nuclear emergency: duck down and cover themselves.

He was also very calm, had a friendly smile, and showed a good attitude towards danger, intentionally created to keep the children from panicking while still teaching them survival behavior. This made him an important part of the government’s early civil-defense communication strategy.

American Kids Hiding Under Their Desks

The creation of Bert came at a pivotal moment. In 1949, the Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb, ending the United States’ exclusive hold on nuclear weapons. As a result, civil-defense planning became a national priority.

The Federal Civil Defense Administration needed a simple, memorable way to teach millions of schoolchildren what to do if an attack occurred. The Duck and Cover film—and Bert’s repeated instruction to “duck and cover”—became the solution. Bert effectively became the public face of these early survival efforts.

Bert only had one message, but it was easy enough for the children to remember through song. “Duck and Cover” was repeatedly said. By doing so, Bert reassured American children and, in some ways, became the face of America’s early survival effort.

If you have not seen the film, it was very detailed. It explained how, at any time, an atomic bomb could happen. There were instructions on what to do if you’re not at school, at home, outside, or when you hear a siren. So everyone could find a safety shelter, and duck and cover.

How Did They Conduct the Endless School Drills?

If you grew up in the 1950s or early 60s, you know that duck and cover drills became a routine for everyone, the same with spelling tests and recess. They happened in every state, sometimes weekly or monthly.

Typical school drills featured a loudspeaker with a siren, just like what we do now. Teachers would guide school kids by shouting “DUCK AND COVER!” and then, from there, kids would drop at once, hiding under their desks.

The drills were exhausting due to their frequency during the Cold War. Everyone needed to get ready. Although they got used to it, the fear behind this never fully went away.

Bert the Turtle Continues to Live On

Though created as a Cold War-era teaching tool, the basic duck-and-cover method continued to influence safety practices long after. Over time, it evolved into the modern “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure used in earthquake preparedness today. The purpose changed, but the core idea remained the same: take quick, simple action to protect yourself.

Bert the Turtle is remembered largely because his message was clear and easy to follow during a time when uncertainty was widespread. Even though he was fictional, his role in helping children feel more prepared—and less afraid—was meaningful to many Americans who grew up during the Cold War.

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Sources:

• How ‘Duck-and-Cover’ Drills Channeled America’s Cold War Anxiety
• Duck And Cover (1951) Bert The Turtle
• 'Duck and Cover' like Bert the Turtle in the 21st century