Sierra Speaker Series: Live! Donner Reed Party

The monthly Sierra Speaker Series connects folks to the rich cultural and natural history of the area. Join us at Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center to learn and engage! Doors open at 5 pm, and the presentation is to follow at 5:30 pm. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. Light refreshments will be available. Parking is free after 5 pm. No registration required.

“Those That Survived” A Chautauqua presentation of Donner Party survivors James and Margret Reed. George led heroic attempts through the severe winter of 1846-47 to rescue his family and many others in his forlorn party. With sheer strength, determination, and courage, Margret kept their children alive and emboldened in James’s absence. This compelling story also relives the valiant efforts of complete strangers who risked their own lives to save the lives of others.

David & Gayle Woodruff have lived in the Yosemite/Death Valley/Lake Tahoe/Eastern Sierra area for most of their lives. They are the authors of eight books on Eastern Sierra and Eastern California history, including the popular Tales Along El Camino Sierra series, and are also presenters of living histories, lectures, and slide show programs. When not researching or writing about local history, you’ll probably find them out hiking in their beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains.