You're Invited!

 It's a new season at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, and spring brings not only warm weather but also great news about park happenings. Below is the announcement of a new sponsor for the park's flower garden, an invitation to the spring exhibit, and information on guided tours.

PLANT IT NURSERY SPONSORS "GERTRUDE'S GARDEN"

Gardnerville's Plant It Nursery has stepped forward to sponsor the continued re-creation of the flower garden of Gertrude Hironymous Dangberg. In addition to the daffodils, peonies and lilacs found growing there, park staff and volunteers have added hyacinths, tulips, iris and more. Now, with the generous support of Plant It Nursery, these efforts will continue to blossom with contributions of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and gardening supplies, creating not only an effective demonstration garden and interpretive tool, but also a thing of beauty. More information about Plant It Nursery is available at plantitnursery.com.

The time, energy and perseverance of volunteers will help make the garden bloom again. So, anyone who enjoys flower gardening and wants to help out should contact me to learn about volunteering. Those who can help a little and those who can help a lot are all welcome.

"DANGBERG SHORT STORIES" EXHIBIT

In fact, "Stories of Gertrude's Garden" is one feature of the park's spring exhibit, "Dangberg Short Stories." Vintage gardening tools and seed catalogs will be presented alongside family photographs that show how Gertrude's garden looked in the past.

The exhibit will also present several other themes featuring selections from the thousands of historic artifacts, photographs and documents left by the Dangberg family. "Stories of Patriotism" will feature items connected with the Civil War, World War I and World War II. Souvenirs and photographs from three world's fairs comprise "Stories of the Midway," with a focus on the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition. The Dangbergs' connections to airplanes and pilots will be explored in "Stories of Flight," and the tragic impact of childhood disease will be told in "Stories of Love and Loss."

 These and other stories of the past can be experienced from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 16-18. Admission is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 13. (Regular tours will not be offered during the exhibit.)

GUIDED TOURS

Park tours begin April 7. The tours combine a discussion of Dangberg family and Carson Valley history with displays of artifacts from the 19th century through the 1980s. A variety of historic objects give insight into the lives of four generations of Nevadans.

Tours are conducted Wednesday through Sundays at 10:00 am, with a second tour on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. The tours last about an hour and a half. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling the park at 775-783-9417 or by emailing me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tours are limited to ten people, but larger groups can request special arrangements. Tour admission is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 13.

The park is located at 1450 Highway 88, one-half mile south of the Carson Valley Swim Center. A map and further information can be found at parks.nv.gov/hr.htm or by calling 775-783-9417.