Learn about flying, fighting and firearms of the westward migration at the Trails Center
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CASPER, Wyo. - High-flying kites, Chief Washakie and the Indian Wars fill the programming docket Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5 at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC).The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through its many programs.
The NHTIC presents the free youth program, “Victorian Kites” from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug.4.
Designing decorations for the windy skies of Wyoming. Kites have been popular with youth through the ages. Learn how children of the Victorian age built their own kites to while away a windy Saturday. Visitors will design and test a kite during this program.
Two patio talks will be offered throughout the weekend as part of the summer’s lecture series on pioneer and Wyoming history. These short interpretive programs, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, are free and open to the public.
The presentation “Chief Washakie: Visionary Chief of the Shoshones” will feature NHTIC interpreter Shawn Wade at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Washakie was able to foresee that the lifeways of the Shoshones were changing. As the tribe faced adaptation or extinction, he worked closely with white settlers, while advocating for and protecting the interests of his people. Statesman, diplomat, and warrior, Washakie is regarded as one of the greatest leaders in Native American history.
As weapons changed in design and practicality, the “taming of the West” became a task that was now accomplished with a reliable firearm. Join NHTIC volunteer and living historian Bruce Berst for “Weapons of Choice: The U.S. Army & Native Americans” at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Berst will discuss changing firearm technologies and the corresponding impacts on the Indian Wars.
NHTIC admission and weekend events are free and open to the public. For more information contact 307-261-7780.
The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, there are 30 congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National Trails System. National Historic Trails are extended trails that closely follow a historic trail or route of travel that is of national significance. The BLM now protects nearly 6,000 miles of 18 designated trails in 15 States, and the BLM also manages thousands of miles of trails under study for potential designation.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.