Event Details

Learning Forum - "Pioneer Women"

March 24, 2019 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Learning Forums are thought-provoking presentations on a wide variety of topics. Each program features a 45-minute presentation, followed by an open forum with questions and discussion about the topic.

This week, come for "Cactus Thorns, Blistered Lips, and a Bouquet of Wild Flowers," a presentation on pioneer women from Katie Hunzeker.

The life of a woman on the overland trail in the 1800s was tough. Accidents, sickness and death were a common reality, but the hope of a new start and prosperity out west drew emigrants across the Platte River Road.

The Platte River Road was a major travel corridor along the Platte River in present-day Nebraska and Wyoming. The route was used simultaneously by several popular pioneer trails, including the Oregon Trail. It was even used by the Pony Express.

Hunzeker will read from the diary entries of various women to share unbelievable stories of heartbreak and happiness on the overland trail. This presentation is part of our Women in History Month events.

Hunzeker grew up in Kimball, Nebraska. She graduated from Western Nebraska Community College with honors before studying communication and commerical arts at Black Hills State University in Spearfish.

She has volunteered her time at Scottsbluff National Monument and Fort Laramie National Historic Site in character as an emigrant on the Platte River Road. She has worked at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site and is currently in the private tourism industry in the Black Hills.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, half-off for members. Call 605-394-6923 to reserve tickets.

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