Sierra Speaker Series

The Sierra Speaker Series is held on the third Saturday of every month from May through October. The event is held in the main theater inside the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and is a collaborative event with the Nevada Country Library, Sierra State Parks Foundation, and California State Parks. The Sierra Speaker Series connects people to the rich cultural and natural history of the area. Join us and come ready to learn and engage!

Doors open at 5:00pm and the program takes place from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

Upcoming Programs

October 17 (5:30-6:30), Paul Helman, “Black Powder and Nitroglycerin - Oh My!” 1000's of Chinese Laborers blasted granite, made tunnels and prepared Railroad roadbed in the mid 1860's during the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad on the route over Donner Pass. How did they do it? What explosives did they use, black powder or nitroglycerine? This presentation will discuss the history of both plus how and where they were used.