History of capital punishment to be covered at Dangberg park in Minden

Historian Patty Cafferata will present “By Gas, Rope, Bullet or Poison: A History of Capital Punishment in Nevada” on Saturday, July 29, at 10 a.m. at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

Distinguished Nevada lawyer and former district attorney, Patty Cafferata, will share the fascinating history of the death penalty as practiced within Nevada. Cafferata will describe the methods of execution the state has used since its territorial days in 1860 through the present, including death by hanging, firing squad, lethal injection and the gas chamber.

Nevada was the first state in the union to make use of fatal gas when it put to death Gee Jon. Through colorful commentary, Cafferata will bring to life Jon’s story along with some of the state’s other interesting murderers, including the only woman executed in Nevada: Elizabeth Potts.

“Patty Cafferata is an engaging historian. Her books and talks on Nevada literally bring our history to life,” said the park’s events manager, Kim Harris.

The event is part of the park’s Dangberg Summer Festival and is sponsored by Soaring NV, Douglas County, Carson Valley Accounting, Horsetales Magazine and the Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation. Alpen Sierra Coffee Company will provide complimentary coffee and 88 Cups & More will provide baked treats at both.

The park is located at 1450 Highway 88, 1/4 mile north of the Carson Valley Veterinary Hospital. This is an outdoor event, and visitors should bring their own seating. Dogs are not permitted at this event. For more information, visit dangberghomeranch.org.

Upcoming speakers include author Bonnie Nishikawa who will a talk on her book, Nevada State Orphans/Children’s Home, on Aug. 6 and author David Antonucci will speak on his book, Fairest Picture: Mark Twain at Lake Tahoe, on Aug. 12. The park’s full 2017 event schedule is available at the park’s website.