Museum presentation looks at Pony Express site

Dr. Donald L. Hardesty, professor of Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno, presents Archaeological Perspectives on the Pony Express in Nevada at 7 p.m. tonight 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 p.m. for viewing of the main building exhibit prior to the lecture. For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education, at 775/687-4810, ext. 237.

Hardesty 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 and authored several books including "The Archaeology of the Donner Party" and, most recently, "Mining Archaeology in the American West."

The museum is located at 600 N. Carson Street in Caron City. Enter through the Dema Guinn Concourse.

Admission is $8 for adults and free children 17 and under and museum members. For information, call 775-687-4810.