Meet the Women of the Gold Rush at Swan’s Fine Books on March 17th in Walnut Creek

Meet the Women of the Gold Rush:

Swan’s Fine Books
1381 Locust Street, Walnut Creek
Thursday, March 17th, 2016
7:30pm | Free

There are still a few seats left, so please join us on Thursday, March 17th, to hear some fascinating stories about History’s Lost Voices – the Women of the California Gold Rush.

After 1848, when gold was discovered in California, dreams of adventure and instant wealth made westward movement the all-consuming passion of the nation. “Go West Young Man” became the catch phrase of the era, but joining these young men was a hardy collection of women.
Prostitutes and preacher’s wives, escaped slaves and society women, reformers, teachers, saloon keepers, cross dressers, criminals…the women of the Gold Rush helped shape the region and the nation. Yet their stories have been largely forgotten.

Who were Luzena Wilson, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Eliza Farnham, and Lola Montez? During her engaging talk Mary Volmer will explore how the interplay of fiction and history allows for the compassionate re-imagining some of California’s most famous (and infamous) female residents.

If you have not already done so, please RSVP to hold a space. There is no charge to attend and light refreshments will be served.