In the winter of 1846-1847, wagon travel across the Sierra Nevada was a dangerous proposition and more than 80 emigrants became trapped in the Sierra snow. Of course we know them as the Donner Party, but the travelers included individuals and many different families. Did you know that the snowbound emigrants lived in two separate camps almost five miles apart? Sutter’s Fort was their destination and became their only hope of survival.
Today, the Sutter’s Fort Collection is the largest repository of original source Donner Party material in existence and the iconic Patty Reed doll – a national treasure — will be back on permanent display just in time for this special “Hands on History: There are Folks Trapped in the Mountains” event on Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fort visitors can view the famous doll, replicas of rarely seen original documents, and hear the mysterious and haunting stories that have fallen through the cracks. Visitors will be able to pack a wagon, write in their journal with a quill pen, or make a corn husk or rag doll to create their own pioneer souvenir. Come to the Fort and hear why there continues to be so much discussion about the Donner Party.
For more information about this fun and engaging “Hands on History” event, or other events and activities at Sutter’s Fort SHP, call 916-445-4422 or visit www.suttersfort.org
