Who are the Death Valley '49ers ?

The Death Valley '49ers is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that seeks to expand public awareness of Death Valley.

Death Valley is a highly valued national resource and recreational area that is protected and preserved by the National Park Service and others for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The aim of the Death Valley '49ers is to foster appreciation of Death Valley as a rare desert environment having unique natural and cultural histories, which played an important role in the settlement of the west and the addition of California to the Union.

Special recognition is given to the California bound pioneer wagon parties of 1849-50. Their indomitable will to survive and persevere through the ordeal of that winter serves as an enduring example of the hardy spirit of all Americans who traveled far searching for new and better lives.

The Death Valley '49ers sponsor the Annual Encampment each November to celebrate this pioneer spirit and this special place called Death Valley.

What do the Death Valley '49ers do ?

- Produce the Annual Death Valley Encampment which includes:

- planning and organizing the many events
- arranging funding for insurance, fees and permits
- leasing audio and other equipment
- arrange prizes and awards
- help provide ambulance service and other professional support  

- Sponsor the Invitational Art Show

- Sponsor the many Musical Events

- Publish the Encampment Program and annual "Keepsake" booklet

- Manage the Death Valley '49ers Scholarship Program for
  Death Valley area high school students

- Publish several Books about Death Valley

- Cooperatively sponsor the Death Valley History Conferences

- Cooperatively sponsor the Nevada Boom Town History Event

- Maintain contact with the Timbisha-Shoshone Tribe
  on matters of mutual interest

- Assist in renovation projects

More about the Death Valley '49ers

- An all volunteer, Non-Profit organization.

- Primarily supported by membership dues.

- Death Valley '49ers receive no pay or salary.

- Have no headquarters office, equipment, vehicles, etc.

- Have no paid staff or employees.

- Receive no government or other funding.

- Unaffiliated with other organizations.

- Directors and Advisors plan the Encampment and other projects
   and programs at six meetings held during the year.

PAST PRESIDENTS
of the Death Valley '49ers

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