Friar Tuck’s Historical Series

Trailblazers of the Sierra: The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
📍 Location: Friar Tuck’s Restaurant & Bar, 111 North Pine Street, Nevada City
🕔 Schedule:

• 5:00–5:30 PM | Cocktails in the bar

• 5:30–5:45 PM | Seating

• 5:45–6:00 PM | Light food

• 6:00 PM | Presentation

🎟 Tickets: $45
Friar Society Members enjoy 15% off. (Contact us to learn about the benefits of Friar Society membership.)

🚶‍♂️ Event Overview

Before the Donner Party etched their name into Sierra history, another group of pioneers made the first successful wagon crossing over the Sierra Nevada — the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party of 1844. Their journey opened the way for thousands who followed, forever changing the story of the American West.

Join us for a captivating evening as two passionate historians bring this epic tale of courage, hardship, and discovery to life.

🎙 Featured Speakers

Bob Crowley – Founder, History Expeditions
An ultra-distance runner, historian, and entrepreneur, Bob combines endurance and history to retrace forgotten trails across the West. Through his work with History Expeditions, he uncovers stories left in the shadows and shares them with modern audiences in unforgettable ways.

Bill Holmes – President, Oregon-California Trails Association (CA/NV Chapter)
After a 44-year career with CAL FIRE, Bill turned his energy toward exploring and preserving the history of Western migration. As president of OCTA’s CA/NV chapter and an active member of several historical societies, Bill has retraced California and Oregon trails, bringing unique insight into the challenges and triumphs of the pioneers.

✨ Why Attend?
This evening isn’t just about history — it’s about adventure, resilience, and the people whose footsteps paved the way for generations. With cocktails, light bites, and an intimate atmosphere at Friar Tuck’s, you’ll step back into the 1840s and experience the courage of those who dared to cross the Sierra before anyone else.

🎟 Seats are limited — reserve yours today for this unforgettable journey into the past.