Contact Mark McLaughlin at 530-546-5612 to discuss your group's presentation needs and get ready for a thrilling journey into the past. These dynamic lectures can be custom tailored to suit your interests and budget.

Mark McLaughlin is available to travel to your own home town by prior arrangement. Field trips can be held throughout Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Western Nevada.

Selected Lecture Topics:
 

Tahoe Ski History & the Origin of Winter Sports

Historian Mark McLaughlin chronicles the past with a lively presentation of exciting stories and slides, which illustrate the origin of winter sports in the Truckee-Lake Tahoe region. The birth of organized skiing in America occurred in the northern Sierra Nevada when the Alturas Snow-shoe Club was founded in 1867 for the "mental and physical well-being" of the miners. In order to boost its lagging winter economy, the little railroad town of Truckee built a spectacular Ice Palace in 1894, and then organized the West's first Winter Carnival about ten years later. Ice-skating, tobogganing, and ski jumping drew thousands of winter sports enthusiasts year after year. Truckee's historic Hilltop ski area installed a mechanical lift for toboganners and skiers in the early 20^th century, the first ski lift in America. In February 1960, Squaw Valley USA hosted the Winter Olympic Games and brought world attention to the region's tremendous skiing potential. Today, the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region boasts more skiing & snowboarding resorts than anywhere else in the United States and generates $120 million a year through winter sports.

"Mark is a born teacher, excited about his subject, eager and able to generate similar excitement in his listeners."

Reign of the Sierra Storm King

Residents and travelers in the Sierra Nevada endure some of the most brutal winter storms in the world. Snowfall measured in feet, wind gusts in excess of 180 mph, destructive avalanches and wind chills far below zero conspire to wreak havoc on anyone caught unprepared. Dramatic slides and compelling stories capture the excitement of railroad crews fighting mountain blizzards and deadly avalanches. Train passengers have been stranded for days, even weeks by persistent snow blockades. The deep snows of the Sierra Nevada have tested the mettle and bravery of the railroad and highway crews for well over a century. Hear the incredible story of John "Snowshoe" Thompson, who skied over the deep Sierra drifts for 20 years, delivering mail, medicine and hope. Slides. Field trip available.

"He makes the weather understandable."

The Donner Party Story Click here to listen to Mark's 2007 Sierra College presentation: Weather & the Donner Party The 1846 winter entrapment of the pioneer wagon train known as the Donner Party is one of the West's greatest tales. But it wasn't all doom and gloom and this entertaining presentation will explain why. In-depth research and dynamic storytelling will introduce the listener to the real personalities of these early Argonauts. Gain insight into their pre-Gold Rush mentality and the concept of Manifest Destiny that drew them west. This lecture focuses on the women's role, the Native American perspective, the Lewis Keseberg allegations, and the lessons learned from this compelling event. Discover that despite the tragic hardship, George and Tamsen Donner's decision to move west for their children's future was not in vain and ultimately successful. Slides. Field trip available.

"Mark is enthusiastic, diverse and tells excellent stories."

Blazing the California Trail & Women Pioneers

The stunning lake that Mark Twain called the fairest in the world is at the crossroads of Manifest Destiny and 19^th century westward migration. Lieutenant John F. Frémont first saw Lake Tahoe on Valentines Day 1844. Emigrant wagon trains crossed the Donner and Carson passes near here, as did the first transcontinental railroad through Truckee. Today, Interstate 80 makes traveling over Donner Summit a breeze compared to what the first pioneers endured. Hear about Nancy Kelsey, a teenage mother in 1841 who proved her mettle by being the first American woman to reach California by trudging over the Sierra range. Learn about Sara Wallis, an 18-year-old member of the Stephen's Party, the first to push wagons over Truckee's Pass in 1844. Despite her lack of education, Sarah persevered to become the Golden State's first politically outspoken feminist. Pioneer women often survived the trials of the trail better than men did. Find out why. Slides. Field trip available.

"Excellent speaker, young, enthusiastic. Most enjoyable and informative."