(Fort Laramie, WY) Join Fort Laramie National Historic Site on August 8-9, 2020 for a special event entitled Western Encounters. Fort Laramie NHS preserves many stories of the past and present which reflect a diverse cultural identity. For this special event Fort Laramie NHS brings together some of the foremost Living Historians of the West to present programs of the diverse nature of Western culture and commerce. These stories urge us toward a more inclusive future and a comprehensive national identity. During this special event visitors will encounter many of the characters associated with the rich history of the Fort.
Our story…
Saturday, August 8
* 9:30 am - "The Long March" - Living Historian Marla Matkin will commemorate woman’s suffrage and the history of the movement (1848-1920). The courage and fortitude of three generations of women persevering seventy-two years fighting for the vote and citizenship is a story worth telling.
* 10:30 am - "The Female Revenant" - Living Historian Kris Swanson tells the story of Marie Dorion and her heroic journey in 1810. Learn of the courage, uncompromising physical strength, mental anguish, and true love and devotion to her husband and family during a 3500-mile, 13-month trek to Astoria, Oregon.
* 11:30 am - "The Fur Trade" - Joining us for a special presentation on the Native fur trade of the Northern Great Plains is Ranger Loren Yellow Bird of Fort Union Trading Post NHS. Loren’s skills as a Living History interpreter will bring to life the importance of the trade to the story of the Great Plains.
* 12:30 pm - The Merchant's Old Time Fiddle Band - Listen to the Merchant Family perform a fiddle concert showcasing 19th century emigrant and military music as heard on the trails of yesteryear.
* 1:30 pm - “The Long March" - Living Historian Marla Matkin will commemorate woman’s suffrage and the history of the movement (1848-1920). The courage and fortitude of three generations of women persevering seventy-two years fighting for the vote and citizenship is a story worth telling.
* 2:30 pm - “Women in the American Fur Trade" - The importance of women to the success of American fur trade activities has always been underplayed and Living Historian Kris Swanson seeks to remedy that by illustrating the critical role women took in making the trade function.
* 3:30 pm - "The Fur Trade" - Joining us for a special presentation on the Native fur trade of the Northern Great Plains is Ranger Loren Yellow Bird of Fort Union Trading Post NHS. Loren’s skills as a Living History interpreter will bring to life the importance of the trade to the story of the Great Plains.
* 6:30 pm - The Merchant's Old Time Fiddle Band - Listen to the Merchant Family perform a fiddle concert showcasing 19th century emigrant and military music as heard on the trails of yesteryear.
Sunday, August 9
* 9:30 am - “The Long March" - Living Historian Marla Matkin will commemorate woman’s suffrage and the history of the movement (1848-1920). The courage and fortitude of three generations of women persevering seventy-two years fighting for the vote and citizenship is a story worth telling.
* 10:30 am - The Merchant's Old Time Fiddle Band - Listen to the Merchant Family perform a fiddle concert showcasing 19th century emigrant and military music as heard on the trails of yesteryear.
* 11:30 am - "The Fur Trade" - Joining us for a special presentation on the Native fur trade of the Northern Great Plains is Ranger Loren Yellow Bird of Fort Union Trading Post NHS. Loren’s skills as a Living History interpreter will bring to life the importance of the trade to the story of the Great Plains.
* 12:30 pm - “Women in the American Fur Trade" - The importance of women to the success of American fur trade activities has always been underplayed and Living Historian Kris Swanson seeks to remedy that by illustrating the critical role women took in making the trade function.
* 2:30 pm - “The Long March" - Living Historian Marla Matkin will commemorate woman’s suffrage and the history of the movement (1848-1920). The courage and fortitude of three generations of women persevering seventy-two years fighting for the vote and citizenship is a story worth telling.
* 3:30 pm - "The Female Revenant" - Living Historian Kris Swanson tells the story of Marie Dorion and her heroic journey in 1810. Learn of the courage, uncompromising physical strength, mental anguish, and true love and devotion to her husband and family during a 3500-mile, 13-month trek to Astoria, Oregon.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Fort Laramie NHS, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored to ensure a are safe and clean environment for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools available to explore. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with Fort Laramie NHS for specific details about park operations. For more information visit the park website at www.nps.gov/fola or call the park at 307-837-2221. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
