The Real Story of the Donner Party
The pioneers known as the Donner Party are remembered for their cannibalism. But there is much more to their saga. Marian Calabro, author of the award-winning Perilous Journey of the Donner Party and commentator on The Travel Channel and NPR, offers a fascinating program that reveals new aspects of this timeless survival story.
“Thanks so much, Marian! Your Zoom program was a huge success. You are such a great storyteller.”
— Kansas Historical Society
“Held our attention every minute! The high point of our Teaching American History conference.”
— Professor Francis O’Malley, University of Delaware
“Calabro weaves together excellent maps, dozens of historic photographs, pioneer letters, and contemporary accounts to tell a grim tale of human bravery and endurance against unimaginable odds.”
— Illinois Heritage
- Program Format: Live on Zoom.
- Duration (your choice): 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
- Pricing: Starts at $125. Discounts for qualified nonprofits.
- Style: Visual and interactive.
- Customized for your audience: alumni associations, book clubs, community education, continuing care communities, historical societies. libraries, museums, school groups (age 12-up), and senior centers.
- Special features: Choose a Donner Party member identity and discover your character’s fate at the end. Share the author’s research journeys and creative process. Live Q&A.
Book information:The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party (Clarion/Houghton Mifflin) is an American Library Association Notable Book, Scholastic Book Club selection, and multiple award winner (California Library Association, Virginia Library Association, New York Public Library). “Calabro neither shrinks from nor sensationalizes the difficult aspects of the story.”—Kirkus Reviews
Free Donner Party Resource List (PDF)
