Ponca SP to Host Missouri River History Conference Sept. 29-Oct. 1

LINCOLN, Neb. — The 3rd Biannual Missouri River History Conference “The Agricultural Frontier and the Missouri River Valley: 1820-2010” is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Ponca State Park (SP).

The conference will bring together several well-known speakers to talk about the agricultural and economic history of the Missouri River valley. Some of the topics will include the settlement of the valley, landscape changes on the river, the development of farm to market roads, the story of the Sioux City Stockyards, mechanical power on the farm, and a look at the next 35 years in the valley.

Breakout sessions include options of visiting the O’Connor Historical House in Homer, Neb., and the Adams Homestead in McCook Lake, S.D. Also included are tours of the Blacksmith Shop in Ponca, Neb., and the Windmill Collection at the Gill Landfill in Jackson, Neb.

Speakers for the conference are Dr. John Lauck, Tim Cowman, Dr. Ron Naugle, L. Robert Puschendorf, Jessie Nunn, Dr. William Pratt, Mark Awakuni-Swetland, Marcia Poole, John Carter, Mac Harris, Michael J. Smith, Daniel G. Smith, and Brian Depew.

The cost of the entire conference, including meals, is $80. One-day registration is $50. The student rate for the entire conference is $40. Student one-day registration is $20. Musical entertainment will be provided after the evening meals at no additional charge.

The event will be sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska State Historical Society, National Park Service, Missouri River Institute/University of South Dakota, Better Ponca Foundation, Nebraska Humanities Council, and the Nebraska Arts Council.

For more information and registration, contact Ponca SP at (402) 755-2284 or jennifer.wolff@nebraska.gov.

A park entry permit is required for all vehicles, except government vehicles. Permits may be purchased at the park office.