The Nevada Historical Society's building may be closed for a remodel, but during this closure you can still enjoy their fascinating lectures at the Sierra View Library. The Nevada Historical Society’s Nevada History on the Go series combines their three history programs that delve into Nevada History, Lake Tahoe, and the American Gaming Archives gambling and gaming history. Make sure to visit the Sierra View Library on the first Saturday of each month to learn more about Nevada’s history through these engaging talks that are geared towards audiences of all ages.

This month Dr. Eugene M. Hattori will discuss the life of John C. Frémont.

The world-famous Fremont Street Experience and the UNR/UNLV Fremont Cannon football trophy, are namesakes of John C. Frémont, a mid-nineteenth-century explorer, scientist, soldier, and politician. In 1844, Frémont and his guide and friend, Kit Carson, traveled through what is now western Nevada. His official report, written with the assistance of his wife, Jesse, became a bestseller following its 1845 publication, and it launched his international recognition.

Nevertheless, Frémont’s actions were shadowed by controversies, beginning with bringing a howitzer on a “peaceable” exploring expedition into a foreign county and then abandoning it there. By the end of the century, the West was settled, and John C. Frémont was sadly forgotten.

Hattori is a Native Nevadan and Sparks High School graduate. He received a B.S. in zoology from the University of Nevada, Reno and M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from Washington State University. His research specialties include historic and prehistoric archaeology, and Native American basketry. He began his career in museums at the Nevada Historical Society, working there from 1968 to 1973, and he retired as curator of anthropology from the Nevada State Museum in 2024. He was also employed by the Desert Research Institute, Bechtel, Archeo-Tec Consulting, and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.