Sutter’s Fort presents ‘The Donner Party and Westward Migration’
Continuing the monthly series of interactive “Hands on History” activities, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and Friends of Sutter’s Fort are teaming up to present “The Donner Party and Westward Migration” on Saturday.
Fort visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to learn more about the Donner Party and western migration in general.
Early in California’s history, wagon travel across the Sierra Nevada was a dangerous proposition, and more than 80 emigrants became trapped in the Sierra snows during the winter of 1846-47. The collective group is now known as the Donner Party, but they were actually many different families and individuals. Sutter’s Fort was their destination and became their only hope of survival.
As part of “Hands on History”
event, Sutter’s Fort guests will have the opportunity to learn fascinating details and gain an interesting understanding about the arduous journey.
Fort visitors will be able to pack a wagon, write in their journals with a quill pen, make a corn husk or rag doll, create their own pioneer souvenir item to take home, and play pioneer games such as “Grace” and “Bean Bag Toss.”
Interested Fort visitors are encouraged to bring a camera or use a smartphone to take memorable photos while seated in the covered wagon — perhaps for use as a unique holiday card this season.