Sierra Speaker Series: Lansford Hastings and the Donner Party- A Reappraisal In-Person
This event is held at the Donner Memorial State Park, 12593 Donner Pass Rd. in Truckee, CA
Doors open at 5:00 pm, the presentation to follow at 5:30 pm. Parking is free after 5 pm.
Most everyone is familiar with the Donner Party, a group of several families heading to California in 1846 looking for new opportunities. Due to lost time and a variety of poor decisions, they became snowbound in the Sierra. The guidebook they possessed and largely ignored was written by western promoter Lansford Hastings who has become entangled in their spectral and physical association with him. A convenient target for their disaster, authors and historians continue to wrongfully brand Hastings as an oily-tongued charlatan.
It is time to consider the reappraisal of a man who has been unfairly characterized for far too long.
In partnership together, the California State Parks, the Nevada County Library, and the Sierra State Parks Foundation bring the monthly Sierra Speaker Series to connect folks to the rich cultural and natural history of the area. Join us at Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center to learn and engage!
- Date:
- Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Time:
- 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- Location:
- Donner Memorial State Park
- Branch:
- Truckee Library
- Audience:
- Adults Seniors (65+) Teens
- Categories:
- History & Genealogy