History, Chautauqua round out June at Dangberg Home Ranch

Historian Mark McLaughlin, a Chautauqua of Clara Barton and a Chautauqua of Fred Dangberg Jr. round out June during the 2023 Summer Festival at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

Weather historian Mark McLaughlin returns to Dangberg Historic Park to speak on his book “SNOWBOUND! Legendary Winters of the Tahoe Sierra,” 10-11 a.m. Saturday. 

This book focuses on the top 10 biggest winters in the Tahoe Sierra based on snowfall measured at Donner Pass since 1879.

McLaughlin was educated as a historian and cultural geographer at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has lived at Lake Tahoe since 1978.

Susan Marie Frontczak will present a Chautauqua of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 28.

In the late 1880s, Miss Clara Barton was well known as a public speaker describing her battlefield experiences during the Civil War. She established and ran an “Office for Missing Soldiers,” thus creating the first of what later would become known as a “Missing in Action” list. She worked to establish the American Red Cross.

Frontczak has presented more than 800 Living History programs in 43 states and nine countries abroad since 2001.

Wednesday evening Chautauqua ticket prices are $15 for 17 years and older. Youth 16 years and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at dangberg.eventbrite.com.

On June 30, from 10-11 a.m., Michael Hall will present a Chautauqua of Fred Dangberg Jr., who was a rancher, politician, businessman, gambler and resident of the Dangberg Home Ranch. The presentation will cover Mr. Dangberg’s life, but also the development of the Town of Minden.

Hall is a Dangberg Historic Park volunteer and past president of the Friends of Dangberg Home Ranch Board of Trustees. Hall has been performing A Chautauqua of Fred Dangberg, Jr. for over three years. This event is free for all to attend.

This season’s Chautauqua programs are all funded in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Space in the performance tent is limited, and advance purchase of Wednesday evening Chautauqua tickets is recommended.

Visitors should bring their own lawn chair or other seating for all events, and only genuine service animals are allowed. Guests are welcome to bring snacks and libations, as no food or beverages will be available. All events take place outdoors under a large tent. Visit Dangberg.org for more information about visiting the park, including guided tours.