Donner Memorial State Park...
We gathered, along with hundreds of others, to be a part of history in the making in the impressive shadow of the Pioneer Memorial, whose own dedication occurred 97 years ago to the day. I was there to not only witness the opening but to write an article for Lake Tahoe News.
The Grand Opening of the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center was a twenty year, $9.6 million project- an incredible testament to collaboration. We loved its theme: "Crossing Barriers Changes Lives".
While there were many dignitaries present, the ceremony began with a flag raising, with the help of two little girls, Cora and Abigail, the great-great granddaughters of Louis De Rome, the bronze caster of the Pioneer Memorial.
While De Rome created the impressive statue, it was the Native Sons of the Golden West who secured the lands for the location in 1918. Members from all over California convened for this the 139th Grand Parlor Annual Meeting. As tradition dictates, the members combined sand, gravel and water from the far reaches of California to make cement. They then affixed part of the historic marker with the cement, a custom symbolic of the society’s original mission since its forming in 1875 – to preserve California’s historic resources with informational markers and fundraising for landmark restoration work. It was a memorable display of the magnitude of this endeavor.
The audience was asked to raise a hand if anyone was a descendant of the Donner party. Dozens of hands rose. Later, Tamara Anderson told of her relative, Sarah Graves who was part of the Forlorn Hope, an offshoot of the original group. Sarah was one of the few survivors. An exhibit in the museum titled "Why Did Women Survive?" gives insight into Tamara's family legacy. It's interesting to note that more women than men lived through the Donner Party ordeal.
Once the ribbon cutting ceremony concluded, an eager mass of attendees were welcomed into the museum. After having seen the state of the art facility with its innovative and engaging programs and exhibits, everyone was impressed. This will be a much visited park benefiting all. Honoring the ill fated Donner Party, telling the history of the Donner region, including: Washoe settlements, Chinese workers building the Transcontinental railroad, and early motoring experiences over Donner Pass, there is something here for every level of learning and interest. This is not just a look at museum. It's something to experience. A place to learn about those who came before us.
Moderator Don Schmidt, quoted past National Park Service Director, William Penn Mott, Jr. "A vision is a powerful thing. It is a dream based on a clear perception of the future combined with a commitment to take the necessary steps to make it happen." The vision has been recognized in the new Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and it really is a powerful thing.
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