Fontenelle Trading Post: Speaker Series

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 6 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.

Speaker Series

Each month a different speaker will provide their perspective on the impact and importance of the Trading Post.

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History Trail Guided Hikes

These hikes will pay specific attention to the Trading Post and other historic sites found along History Trail.

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Archeology Adventure

Get a hands-on archeology lesson and practice your excavation skills after Rob Bozell’s Speaker Series presentation.

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We dig history

Explore the Nebraska’s Deep Roots exhibit, participate in an archeological dig and go on a guided hike.

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