Menu

A Story of Choices

The pioneers known as the Donner Party are remembered for their cannibalism. But there is much more to their story. Marian Calabro, author of the award-winning Perilous Journey of the Donner Party and commentator on The Travel Channel and NPR, offers a fascinating 175th anniversary program that reveals new aspects of this timeless survival story.

About the Presentation

“Eerie and mesmerizing.”

— Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“In Calabro’s hands, truth is indeed as spellbinding as fiction.”

— Boston Globe

“Held our attention every minute! The high point of our Teaching American History conference for two years running.”

— Professor Fran O’Malley, University of Delaware

“Calabro neither shrinks from nor sensationalizes the difficult aspects of the story.”

— Kirkus Reviews

  • Format: Live on Zoom.
  • Duration (your choice): 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 and more.

Thank you for your interest in The Real Story of the Donner Party.

Please fill out the inquiry form on this page to start the process of booking the presentation for your organization.

Inquiry Form

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

Multiple Award-Winning Book

Image of book: The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party (Clarion/Houghton Mifflin)

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).

Purchase on Amazon.com