• New! Fontenelle Forest to offer Speaker Series on the history of the Trading Post

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    April 17, 2023

    Learn about the fascinating history of the Fontenelle Trading Post!

    This Speaker Series is designed to complement the Nebraska’s Deep Roots exhibit in Baright Gallery. Each speaker will provide a diverse perspective on the impact and importance of the Trading Post. See the list of specific dates and topics below.

    DATE AND TIME: Dates and times listed below
    LOCATION: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
    MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 200
    PROGRAM FEE: Free for members or with daily admission for non-members (sales tax included). Click HERE to see admission prices.
    NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

     

    Speaker Series Dates & Times

    MAY 7 FROM 1:00-2:30 PM

    REENACTMENT: OUTDOORSMAN OF THE FUR TRADE
    SPEAKER: DONALD WADE DAVIS

    Donald Wade Davis will showcase what it was like to be an outdoorsman in the fur trade era. Join us for this unique presentation with an expert re-enactor and gain deeper insight into the lives of the rugged men who participated in the fur trade.

    OPTIONAL GUIDED HIKE AT 3:30 PM

    HISTORY TRAIL GUIDED HIKE AT CAMP WA-KON-DA

    JUNE 4 FROM 1:00-2:30 PM

    ARCHEOLOGY OF THE TRADING POST
    SPEAKER: ROB BOZELL

    Rob Bozell, retired Nebraska State Archeologist, will speak about the excavation and analysis of Lucien Fontenelle’s Trading Post. With decades of experience in the field of archeology, this conversation is sure to engage and inspire folks of all ages to connect with our local history.

    OPTIONAL ARCHEOLOGY ACTIVITY AT 2:30 PM

    ARCHEOLOGY ADVENTURE ON DENNIS PLAZA

    JULY 2 FROM 1:00-2:30 PM

    WEAPONS OF THE FUR TRADE
    SPEAKER: DONALD WADE DAVIS

    Donald Wade Davis will speak on the weapons and tools used during the fur trade era. As a specialist in re-enactments and authentic historical details, this conversation is a must see! Have you ever wondered how weapons have changed in the last 200 years? Or how people made weapons in the 1800s? Donald Wade Davis will answer these questions and more!

    AUGUST 5 FROM 1:00-2:30 PM

    FONTENELLE’S POST: STORIES OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS
    SPEAKER: CATHERINE KUPER

    Catherine Kuper, Volunteer Archivist and Historian at Fontenelle Forest, will share some of the fascinating stories from Fontenelle’s Trading Post. Who was there? What were they doing? Join us to learn more about the colorful characters occupying Fontenelle’s Trading Post.

    SEPTEMBER 7 FROM 6:00-7:30 PM

    BEAVERS OF THE FUR TRADE
    SPEAKER: SAM WILSON

    Sam Wilson, Furbearer Program Manager from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will speak on the importance of beavers in the fur trade 200 years ago. Beavers have a long and complex history with humans, the environment, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Join us for a deep dive into the vital roles beavers fill and how these large rodents have changed the world.

    OCTOBER 1 FROM 1:00-2:30 PM

    OMAHA TRIBE PERSPECTIVE ON THE FUR TRADE
    SPEAKER: TAYLOR KEEN

    Taylor Keen, member of the Omaha tribe and instructor at Creighton University, will speak to the critical role that the Missouri River tribes played in the fur trade. Focusing on the perspective of the Omaha tribe, Keen will provide a nuanced account of the economic and social interactions that took place around the Missouri river during the fur trade.

    OPTIONAL GUIDED HIKE AT 3:30 PM

    HISTORY TRAIL GUIDED HIKE AT CAMP WA-KON-DA

    NOVEMBER 5 FROM 1:00-2:30 PM

    PETER SARPY AND THE FUR TRADE
    SPEAKER: BEN JUSTMAN

    Ben Justman, Executive Director of the Sarpy County Museum, will speak on the role Peter Sarpy played in the fur trade. Join us to learn more about Sarpy’s life and the lasting legacy he left in Nebraska and beyond.

     

     

    Contact:
    Bridget Hanson, Marketing and Communications Assistant
    bhanson@fontenelleforest.org, (402) 731-3140
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