Minden rockin' blues, Chautauquans and local historians, during August at Dangberg Historic Park
Carolyn Dolan & Big Red will play in concert and Chautauquas of convicted Salem witch, Mary Perkins Bradbury, botanist Agnes Scott Train and early Carson Valley businesswoman Anna Harris will be performed. Historians Dr. Michael Fischer will speak on Basque hotels, and Linda Reid on her book “A Window in Time.” All are scheduled mid-August at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.
On Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Chautauquan Kim Harris will perform as Mary Perkins Bradbury, who was convicted, tried and sentenced to hang as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. In her own words, Bradbury will tell of her experiences during the Salem witch hunts, and how she ultimately escaped the gallows. For this Chautauqua presentation, tickets can be purchased at the event and are $10 for members, $15 for non-member adults and free for youth 16 and younger.
On Thursday, Aug. 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in concert and returning to Dangberg Historic Park, Carolyn Dolan & Big Red will play rockin’ blues with Mick Clarke on his Gibson guitar. Tickets can be purchased at the event and are $15 for members, $20 for non-member adults and free for youth 16 and younger.
On Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 11 a.m., historian Dr. Michael Fischer will give a presentation on “The Origin and Evolution of the Basque Hotel.” Dr. Fischer retired from dentistry and was appointed, serving in both Gov. Gibbons’ and Gov. Sandoval’s cabinet until the Department of Cultural Affairs was formally disbanded. He is now an independent scholar whose interests include the history of Nevada cowboys, ranching and politics. This event is free for all to attend.
On Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Chautauquan Anita Watson will perform as Agnes Scott Train, who along with her husband Percy, for eleven years collected fossils, minerals and plants in the remote areas of Nevada and Death Valley. Train used her art talent for sketches of the specimens that were sent to the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Nevada, and museums across the country. For this Chautauqua presentation, tickets can be purchased at the event and are $10 for members, $15 for non-member adults and free for youth 16 and younger.
On Friday, Aug. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m., Chautauquan DebiLynn Smith will perform as Anna Harris who was a prominent businesswoman in early Carson Valley. Harris was also the first woman in Nevada to be issued a sole proprietorship. This event is free for all to attend.
This season’s Chautauqua programs are all funded in part by a generous grant from Nevada Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities.
On Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 to 11 a.m., author and historian, Linda Reid will share with you a view of six families who have played prominent roles in Carson Valley history from the mid-1880s to the present. Included are stories from the Berrum, Heitman, Neddenriep, Reid, Shaw and Springmeyer families, tales of both terrible tragedies and incredible strength. This event is also free for all to attend.
Visitors should bring their own lawn chair or other seating for all events, and only genuine service animals are allowed.
Guests are welcome to bring snacks and libations, as no food or beverages will be available. All events take place outdoors under a large tent. For more information about visiting the park, including guided tours, please visit Dangberg.org.