Award-winning author to present ‘Man Who Beat Death Valley’ Saturday at Trails Center

Visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center this weekend to learn about the epic story of a gold rush-era hero and the makings of an award-winning book with author Deborah Fox.

On August 20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Fox will speak about pioneer William Lewis Manly, who heroically saved two lost families from starvation in the Great Basin Desert, and the importance and meaning of hero stories in our lives. In her second presentation, Fox breaks down the process of creating the graphic novel “The Man Who Beat Death Valley,” which won a North Street Book Prize for graphic novels.

11 a.m.: The Heroic Story of William Lewis Manly, Gold Rush Pioneer
1 p.m.: The Making of a Graphic Novel: The Man Who Beat Death Valley

The Trails Center also welcomes back Wyoming blacksmith Dave Osmundsen on August 20 and 21. Osmundsen will show techniques used to make cooking utensils, axes, fire steels and iron floral designs at the following times:

Saturday, August 20: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 21: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fox is a mixed-media artist and author who works in digital art, computer graphics and effects, painting and photography. She uses all of talents in her latest passion, graphic novel creation. Her first graphic novel, “Everett Massacre” combined her love of writing and cinematic skills to bring to life the 1916 showdown between mill workers and lumber barons. “The Man Who Beat Death Valley” captures the stunning Western landscape and tells a thrilling, true story of struggle, love, and survival.

For more information or to learn more about the Trails Center’s weekend programs, please call the Trails Center at (307) 261-7700 or visit https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/national-historic-trails-interpretive-center.

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm MST.

1501 N Poplar St., Casper, WY 82601.

Admission is Free

Original source can be found here.