California Trail Interpretive Center January Programs

ELKO, Nev. – The California Trail Interpretive Center is presenting weekend programs throughout January. The family friendly programs are free and open to everyone.

The following programs begin at 2:00 p.m. and are 30-to-60 minutes in length:

• Jan. 3:  Women’s New-Found Freedom

During the Gold Rush, women often found freedoms and opportunities that didn’t exist back east. In the West, they were free to own businesses and take part in nontraditional occupations. Join Whitney Johnson as she shares life stories of women during the Gold Rush.

• Jan. 4:  Finding the leaves of your Family Tree

Hey kids, where was your grandma born? Join Jan Petersen and she will help you fill out the branches of your family tree. Find your peeps on the internet, and share your family stories.

• Jan. 10:  Shoshone:  A Walk Through Time

For thousands of years, the Shoshone have lived off the land. Join James Hedrick and discover how traditions and culture have changed over time and how modern Shoshone continue to thrive in today’s world.

• Jan. 11:  Bear Tracks on My Bed

Attention all kids:  What do bear tracks, turkey tracks and log cabins have in common? They are represented on quilts. Learn about pioneers by the patterns they left behind. Create your own paper quilt block that represents life on the Trail.

• Jan. 17: Women’s New-Found Freedom

During the Gold Rush, women often found freedoms and opportunities that didn’t exist back east. In the West, they were free to own businesses and take part in nontraditional occupations. Join Whitney Johnson as she shares life stories of women during the Gold Rush.

• Jan. 18: My Trip to California

Do you have a special toy are object that goes with you almost everywhere? Learn about Patty Reed’s trip with the Donner Party and how her little doll helped her through the long trip and horrible winter. After, kids can make their own clothes pin doll using needle and thread. Ages 7 and up.

• Jan. 24: Wagon Full of Hope

Before emigrant wagons left the jumping off towns along the Missouri River, they carefully selected and packed items in their wagons that allowed them to survive a journey of a lifetime. Join Ranger Rose as he shares the “top ten” items you may want to pack in your wagon.

• Jan. 25: Nevada Skins and Skulls: Predators and Prey

Hey kids:  Learn about Nevada animals. Touch and feel their skulls and skins, and learn about predators and prey. Afterward, play a fun game and become the predator – or prey.

• Jan. 29-31:  Pioneer Poetry

Cowboys aren’t the only ones who wrote poetry about the West. Join Jan Petersen and Whitney Johnson as they recite pioneer poetry.

For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center call (775) 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at  www.californiatrailcenter.org, or on Facebook, California Trail Interpretive Center Association.

The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.