The Eighth Conference on History and Prehistory was held at Furnace Creek Ranch January 31-February 4, 2008.

  The Conference was chaired by Death Valley ‘49er  and Death Valley Natural History Association Director David Blacker.

  There were 18-30 minute papers and 5-15 minute glimpses into history.

  Subjects included: mining and miners, Native Americans, Death Valley characters, prehistoric life in Death Valley, and trains. The Death Valley ‘49ers presented papers on The Mystery of Death Valley’s Mesozoic Era, Tales of Bygone Days, and The Death Valley Region in 1926 and a glimpse into history on The 1834 Rock.

  Approximately 125 authors and guests attended the conference. Additional activities included: a Book Sale, an outstanding Saturday night BBQ dinner, and a Sunday field trip to Keane Wonder and Big Bell Mills.

  The Death Valley ‘49ers Publications Committee will edit all the proceedings and publish them in book format. The books will be given to all conference attendees and available for sale at the Visitor’s Center and on the Death Valley ‘49ers website.