2012 Patio Talks
All patio talks are free to the public.
Programs begin at 1:00 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. |
June
24 - Bruce Berst: Why the South Lost the War
The United States Civil War was a monumental event that shaped American history. Taking place between 1861 and 1865, the Civil War also brought into use new military equipment. Join us as NHTIC volunteer and living historian Bruce Berst compares and contrasts the weapons of the Union Soldier to those of the Confederate Soldier.
30 - Robin Nelson/Cindy Allen: Mapping Land Use Patterns with Aerial and Digital Photography
Join us as BLM employees Robin Nelson and Cindy Allen demonstrate the differences in land use patterns through the use of both aerial and digital photography techniques. They will also share different mapping techniques on how features change over certain periods of time!
July
1 - Jean Smart: The Joys of Dutch Oven Cooking
Making wise choices among the array of foods available in the mid-nineteenth century was crucial for emigrants traveling West on pioneer trails. Although the amount of food might change between different pioneer wagons, the specific items seldom varied. Join us as an interpreter dressed in period clothing discusses the various food items of choice and use of the most important cooking utensil on the wagon or pack animal, the Dutch oven.
7 - Merchant Family: Old Time Pioneer Fiddle Music
Various musical instruments were played for dancing at the end of a long day on the pioneer trail and to entertain the Native Americans the pioneers encountered along the way. Most are still performed for dancing and enjoyment to this day and are still a part of our heritage. Come clap your hands and tap your feet as local musical talents, Kim, Ana, and Rachel Merchant perform and present the history of many popular tunes of the era.
8 - Rick Messina/George Vandel: Prospecting in Wyoming -- GOLD FEVER!
Excitement, valor, boomtowns, and abandonment, this was the Wyoming gold rush. Join us as President Rick Messina and Vice President George Vandel of the Casper Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America share their thoughts on the past, present, and future outlook of GOLD in Wyoming. Gold prospecting and mining districts in Wyoming will also be discussed, and a gold panning demonstration will take place.
14 - Jean Smart: All About Toys and Games -- For the Kids!
Most children of early America did not have much time for play. But when they did, they took part in such simple pleasures as playing marbles and jacks, spinning tops, rolling hoops, and jumping rope. Join NHTIC volunteer Jean Smart as she illuminates the most popular of these early American pastimes. Come ready to play!
15 - Kylie McCormick: Red Cloud's War
Between 1866 and 1868, Red Cloud's War stands out in U.S. military history as the only war won by American Indians against the United States. Join us as Trails Center employee Kylie McCormick details this brief victory for Red Cloud, an Oglala Lakota Chief, and his warriors before ultimately being forced onto reservations.
21 - Amber Robbins: The Fairyland of Rocks -- For the Kids!
Why are rocks different colors? Have you ever wondered why some rocks are smooth while others are rough? Children fascinated with rocks are encouraged to attend this hands-on presentation to learn all about rocks and how to make a neat mineral collection! Join BLM geologist Amber Robbins as she explores the rocky world of rocks! Kids, please feel free to bring one rock to show the group!
22 - Jean Smart: Early Pioneer Medicines -- A Cure for Anything
Chloroform, clove oil, and tinctures - these can cure what? During America’s frontier era these unusual names were given to popular medicinal forms that were said to cure anything. Grandmas, fathers, and even certified physicians treated the sick, lame, and unlucky with whatever was available. Join NHTIC volunteer Jean Smart as she takes an amusing look at some of the more popular medicines from the frontier day!
28 - Amber Robbins: Collecting Rocks in God's Country
Each person interested in rocks has his or her own unique story about how they started this fascinating hobby. People who live in Wyoming are fortunate to have such a wide range of rocks available for collection. Come listen and gain ideas as BLM geologist Amber Robbins shares her experiences of rock hounding on public lands.
29 - Bruce Berst: All About Change: Weapons of the U.S. Army (1800s)
As weapons changed, both in design and practicality, the “taming of the West” became a task that was now accomplished with a reliable firearm. Join us as NHTIC volunteer and living historian Bruce Berst discusses these issues as well as the corresponding impacts on the Indian Wars.
August
11 - Reid Miller: The Surveyor General Measures Wyoming
Join BLM employee Reid Miller for a colorful look at how the Wyoming Territory was measured, mapped, and settled under the watchful eyes of a series of interesting men appointed to the task in Cheyenne. Learn the legacy of the General Land Office and how it affects our lives in the Equality State today!
12 - Linda Akers: Jesse Potts: A Wyoming Homesteader
The history of Johnson County is the complex story of current residents and their relatives who came to homestead the area. Early inhabitant, Jesse C. Potts is one of those stories. As a pioneer resident of Johnson County since 1886, and one of the founders of the town of Kaycee, Jesse came to Wyoming from Missouri and started a blacksmith shop. Join us as NHTIC volunteer, Linda Akers tells the story of her Wyoming homesteading relative, Jesse C. Potts.
25 - Les Bennington, National Pony Express Association: Saga of the Pony Express
The story of the Pony Express has fascinated people ever since the first riders were mounted in April 1860, heading west from St. Joseph, Missouri, and east from San Francisco, California. Join National Pony Express Association, Wyoming President, Les Bennington as he shares this remarkable story! Pony Express rider, horse and mochilla will be on hand!
26 - Reid Miller: The Surveyor General Measures Wyoming
Join BLM employee Reid Miller for a colorful look at how the Wyoming Territory was measured, mapped, and settled under the watchful eyes of a series of interesting men appointed to the task in Cheyenne. Learn the legacy of the General Land Office and how it affects our lives in the Equality State today!
September
1 - Daniel Mattern: Roho Delgado: Military Soldier and Galvanized Yankee
During the Civil War, in both Northern and Southern prison camps, soldiers sometimes decided to “galvanize,” or change sides, to save themselves from the horrors of prison life. In many cases were still “Good old Rebels,” or “Billy Yanks,” underneath their adopted uniforms. After being captured at the Battle of Antietam in 1862, “Private” Delgado, a prisoner of war and Confederate soldier, was given the choice of staying put, or going west as a “Galvanized Yankee” to protect the telegraph lines. Join us as NHTIC volunteer Daniel Mattern, presents the life and times of Mr. Delgado as well as vivid, hands-on descriptions of his military uniform.
2 - Daniel Mattern: What's Your Responsibility? The Tral Experience
As families headed west along the pioneer trails, men, women, and children were all tasked with specific roles and responsibilities. Join us as NHTIC volunteer Daniel Mattern shares these stories concerning the daily life and chores experienced by a pioneer wagon train party.
