![Carson City Weather Carson City Weather](https://carsonnow.org/sites/www.carsonnow.org/files/weather.jpg)
Chautauqua of Mary-Louise Mackay at Dangberg Historic Park
The celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Chautauqua at Dangberg Historic Park continues by celebrating Wednesday night Chautauquas with the theme: "Follow Us on an Adventure!" All Wednesday evening Chautauquans have an adventurous tale to share with their audience.
On Wednesday, August 14, from 6:30-7:30 pm, Dorothea Phelan will portray Mary-Louise Mackay, wife of American industrialist and Comstock Bonanza Lode discoverer John Mackay, and wealthiest woman in Paris Society.
Mary-Louise Mackay lost her first husband to alcohol and drug abuse when she was twenty years old, with two infant children to support. To survive, she gave French lessons and sewed for the Rosener Brothers store in Virginia City, Nevada. She lived with her one surviving daughter in a furnished room on A Street until her life changed dramatically upon marrying her second husband, John Mackay. Mr. Mackay, being nouveau-riche and Irish, caused the family to be snubbed by New York society. Eventually the Mackays moved to Paris where Louise Mackay entertained as the wealthiest American in that city.
Dorothea Phelan has been an historian, living history performer and storyteller for over twenty-eight years. Phelan was born and raised in Yerington, Nevada, where she acted in theatricals and school plays. As an adult, she coached children’s plays and dramas. In 1962 Phelan moved to Ventura, California where she became active with the Rancho Camulos Museum, developing living history programs. She has now returned to Nevada and volunteers at the Nevada State Museum and performs Chautauqua locally.
Wednesday evening Chautauqua ticket prices are $15 for 17 years and older. Youth 16 years and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the event. Gate opens at 5:30 pm.
This season’s Chautauqua programs are funded in part by a generous grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. For a complete list of upcoming Chautauquas during the Dangberg Summer Festival, please visit Dangberg.org.
Please bring your own seating and no pets allowed – certified service animals only. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy as no food or beverages will be sold at these events. All events are held outdoors. For more information on these events, or on visiting Dangberg Historic Park, please visit Dangberg.org.