VENTURA–Illustrated Lecture: Island of the Blue Dolphins: The Lone Woman at the Crossroads

VENTURA– Island of the Blue Dolphins, written by Scott O’Dell, has fascinated children for over fifty years. This award-winning book describes the life of an American Indian woman who lived alone on San Nicolas Island for 18 years. The heroine of this story, known in historical literature as the Lone Woman, was taken off of the island in 1853 by George Nidever. Through recent archaeological, ethnographic and historical research a new story of the Lone Woman has emerged.  She was witness to commercial endeavors such as otter hunting, whaling, smuggling, elephant seal hunting, and scientific explorations.  She was also likely witness to Chinese abalone harvesting on San Nicolas Island.  This research examines early California ethnic, commercial and maritime history. It explores disparate life experiences, yet illuminates the commonalities of individuals living on a remote Pacific island. Join us for an engaging illustrated lecture on this new research entitled “Island of the Blue Dolphins: The Lone Woman at the Crossroads”  

Thursday April 12, 2018, 7:00 pm

Channel Islands National Park Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Ventura, California

Event is free to the public

For more information, go to www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/from-shore-to-sea.htm For more information, you can contact: Linda Bentz  Island of the Blue Dolphins: The Lone Woman at the Crossroads, Project Director  (310) 433-3298   Lindabentz@gmail.com Lauren Boross   National Park Service (805) 658-5727   Lauren_boross@nps.gov This program is part of a project supported by California Humanities through an Humanities for All Quick Grant.