SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Carson City, Nev. Dr. Donald L. Hardesty, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Nevada Reno presents Archaeological Perspectives on the Pony Express in Nevada Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Nevada State Museum.
Archaeological research at several way stations on the pony express trail in northern Nevada has revealed new information about the lifestyles and historical events associated with these remote places. The remains of architecture, clothing, food, weapons and other artifacts found at Cold Springs, Sand Mountain, Jacob’s Well and Desert Station tell a previously untold story about the pony express experience.
Regular admission fees apply; doors open at 6:00 pm for main building exhibit viewing prior to the lecture. For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education, at 775/687-4810, ext. 237.
Donald L. Hardesty is professor of anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno. He received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Oregon and did undergraduate work at the University of Kentucky. His research interests include historical archaeology, mining history, overland emigration, and human ecology. Hardesty has done archaeological fieldwork for more than 40 years in the American West, southeastern United States, southern Mexico and Guatemala. He has conducted archaeological excavations at pony express stations at Cold Springs, Sand Mountain, Jacob’s Well and Desert Station. Hardesty has authored several books including The Archaeology of the Donner Party and, most recently, Mining Archaeology in the American West. He has served as president of the Society for Historical Archaeology, the Mining History Association, and the Register of Professional Archaeologists.
The Nevada State Museum actively engages people in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. Exhibits highlight the state’s history, geology, plants and animals, Native American cultural heritage, Historic Carson City Mint, a replica walk-through mine and ghost town. Current changing exhibits include Interwoven 2010: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers, Slot Machines: The Fey Collection, and The Art of Nature: Images from the Wildlands of Nevada.
Due to mandatory state budget restrictions, the museum is closed Sunday – Tuesday, and open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Wednesday – Saturday. The museum is located at 600 N. Carson Street in Caron City, please enter through the Dema Guinn Concourse. Admission: $8 for adults and free children 17 and under and museum members. For information, call (775) 687-4810.
The Nevada State Museum is one of seven managed by the state Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The Department serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the State Office of Historic Preservation, Nevada State Library and Archives and the Nevada Arts Council. For more information, please call Teresa Moiola at (775) 687-8323 or visit the department’s website at www.NevadaCulture.org.
