Chautauqua and Author Presentations at Dangberg Historic Park

August continues with a Chautauqua presentation of Mary McNair Mathews and a presentation by author Brooke Santina at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

On Wednesday, August 14, at 6:30pm, Mary McNair Mathews, Comstock businesswoman and author of the book Ten Years in Nevada will be portrayed by Anita Watson.

When Mary McNair Mathews arrived on the Comstock, she carried with her more than carpetbags and trunks. Very much a woman of her time and culture, she brought along her values and beliefs, expectations and prejudices. She closely observed and commented upon the people and community she adopted for a time. Mary Mathews wrote about her life on the Comstock and in doing so, provided one woman’s perspective of an intriguing time and place.

Anita Watson, a long time Nevadan who has always been interested in the people and places of the Silver State. Watson earned her Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she has taught history and been the coordinator of the Shared History Program. She has worked in the museum education field in Nevada and Minnesota, and published on the topics of Nevada women, Nevada medicine and general Nevada history. Anita Watson has been doing Chautauqua performances for more than 18 years.

On Saturday, August 17, at 10:00 am, Reno author, Brooke Santina, will share her fictional novel based on her own experiences.

Dishrags to Dirt Bags tells the story of a meek housewife’s plunge into the often dangerous and mostly crazy world of law enforcement.

Brooke Santina was a former housewife turned deputy sheriff. After working in the field for more than a decade, Santina began writing of her experiences as a law enforcement officer in what later became a book. This book will be available for sale and signing on the day of the event.

Both events are free to attend. Please bring your own seating to all events and no pets allowed - service animals only. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy as no food or beverages will be sold at these events.

The Dangberg ranch house will be open for one hour before each event for anyone who would like an introduction to the park’s history.

The full 2019 Dangberg Summer Festival event schedule is available at Dangberg.org.

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