A special program is coming to Fort Laramie National Historic Site this weekend.

This weekend will see a festive air taken on at Fort Laramie National Historic Site, where the two-day Western Encounters brings stories of the past and present that reflect a diverse cultural identity into focus. 

For this special event, the historic site in eastern Wyoming is bringing together some of the foremost Living Historians of the West to present programs of the diverse nature of Western culture and communication. During this special event, visitors will encounter many of the diverse individuals associated with the rich history of the fort.  

Saturday, August 14

• 9:30 a.m. - “The Fine Art of Communication in the 19th Century” – Living Historian Marla Matkin will examine the workings of 19th Century communication. From the latest technology of the time to the artistic and social ways of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings and expectations. Humans not only desire, but require interaction, through communication. Whether the 19th Century or the 21st Century, no matter your skill level, people communicate daily. How was it done in the 19th Century, come along and find out? 
• 11 a.m. - "The Female Revenant" – Living Historian Kris Swanson tells the story of Marie Dorion and her heroic journey in 1810. Learn of the courage, uncompromising physical strength, mental anguish, and true love and devotion to her husband and family during a 3,500-mile, 13-month trek to Astoria, Oregon.  
• 12:30 p.m. - “Historic Weapons Demonstration” – Feel the effectiveness of the of the 12-pound Mountain Howitzer and become part of an artillery battery on the Northern Great Plains. 
• 2 p.m. - “The Fine Art of Communication in the 19th Century”– Living Historian Marla Matkin will examine the workings of 19th Century communication. From the latest technology of the time to the artistic and social ways of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings and expectations. Humans not only desire, but require interaction through communication. Whether the 19th Century or the 21st Century, no matter your skill level, people communicate daily. How was it done in the 19th Century, come along and find out?  
• 3:30 p.m. - Wind River Dancers: “A Cultural Heritage Shared Through Dance and Song” – Join the park staff as they celebrate Native American culture and heritage featuring the Wind River Dancers. The renowned Wind River Dancers perform a variety of American Indian dance styles, which are comprised of men’s traditional, women’s fancy shawl, and jingle dress, to name a few. Throughout the presentation the dance styles are explained to the audience to share Native American culture and heritage. 
• 5 p.m. - “Women in the American Fur Trade” – The importance of women to the success of American fur trade activities has always been underplayed and Living Historian Kris Swanson seeks to remedy that by illustrating the critical role women took in making the trade function. 

Sunday, August 15 

• 10 a.m. - “The Fine Art of Communication in the 19th Century” – Living Historian Marla Matkin will examine the workings of 19th Century communication. From the latest technology of the time to the artistic and social ways of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings and expectations. Humans not only desire, but require interaction through communication. Whether the 19th Century or the 21st Century, no matter your skill level, people communicate daily. How was it done in the 19th Century, come along and find out? 
• 11:30 a.m. - “Women in the American Fur Trade” – The importance of women to the success of American fur trade activities has always been underplayed and Living Historian Kris Swanson seeks to remedy that by illustrating the critical role women took in making the trade function. 
• 1 p.m. - “The Fine Art of Communication in the 19th Century”– Living Historian Marla Matkin will examine the workings of 19th Century communication. From the latest technology of the time to the artistic and social ways of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings and expectations. Humans not only desire, but require interaction through communication. Whether the 19th Century or the 21st Century, no matter your skill level, people communicate daily. How was it done in the 19th Century, come along and find out? 
• 2:30 p.m. - "The Female Revenant" – Living Historian Kris Swanson tells the story of Marie Dorion and her heroic journey in 1810. Learn of the courage, uncompromising physical strength, mental anguish, and true love and devotion to her husband and family during a 3,500-mile, 13-month trek to Astoria, Oregon.