Letters from the Oregon Trail

This historically accurate tale of life on the trail is told through one woman's letters written back home to her mother. The letters relate the adventures and difficulties that the early pioneers encountered when they left their homes and ventured into a 2,000 mile trek westward in the 1850's.

Paddy based her information on journals and diaries of real women who traveled to Oregon, and highlights the stories from the women and children's point of view. You will gain a newfound appreciation for the human spirit and the determination of these people who had to overcome many obstacles along the way.

This program is perfect for libraries, historical societies, women's groups, and senior centers. However, the program plays beautifully for students being introduced to this period of history as well. Paddy has visited numerous elementary schools in Illinois, and returns to many each year to share this story with those students studying the Westward Movement.

Letters from the Oregon Trail runs for 45 minutes, and is usually followed with a question and answer period. This highly interactive program can be custom designed to fit your needs.

"An excellent combination of education and entertainment."

Hear what others have to say:

"An excellent combination of education and entertainment."
Librarian, Grayslake Library

"Letters from the Oregon Trail was a huge success! Thanks for bringing our curriculum to life!"
Principal at Ravinia School, Highland Park

"Thank you for doing Letters from the Oregon Trail at our school. It was astonishing! I was stunned. I hope you can visit us next year in the fourth grade because it was my most favorite of all the assemblies this year."
Abby, 3rd grade student, Prairieview Elementary

"I have had many professional performers come to our center, and I believe Letters from the Oregon Trail deserves 5 Stars! I highly recommend this program for an intergenerational program with confidence that it would be interesting and educational for all ages."
Mary Purnell, Librarian, Winchester House, Libertyville.

2-sided tri-fold 8.5 x 11 Brochure (PDF)