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Bakersfield, CA –The Kern County Library’s Local History Room at Beale Memorial Library is proud to present The Lonesome Trail: Arborglyphs and Basque Sheepherders in the Far West, a captivating educational program that explores a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of American West history. This program highlights the unique and evocative tradition of Basque arborglyphs—tree carvings etched into the trunks of aspen trees by Basque sheepherders during their time in the rugged, remote ranges of the American West.
The tree carvings are found along the sheep trails on Aspen trees which usually grow at 8k+ elevations.
Through expert insight and immersive visuals, attendees will experience the stories behind the carvings and their significance as both personal expressions and vital cultural artifacts. The program will provide historical context on Basque immigration, shepherding traditions, and the vibrant legacy of the Basque community in Kern County and beyond.
As part of the program, guests will also enjoy stunning 3D digital images of arborglyphs, providing an up-close view of these rare and delicate historical inscriptions. This event is free and open to the public. This program is made possible through funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information call Kern County Library's Local History Room at: 661-868-0774
Featured Speakers Include:
Dr. Steven Gamboa is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for Basque Studies at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). A native Californian and son of a Basque immigrant and former sheepherder, Dr. Gamboa brings personal and scholarly insights into the Basque experience in the West. Christopher Livingston, M.A., M.L.I.S. has Directed the Historical Research Center at California State University, Bakersfield for over ten years where he has developed collections that document Basque History, housing discrimination, and the Farm Labor Movement in California. Livingstons work supports the mission of the Institute of Basque Studies at CSUB which seeks to examine communities in the Basque Country and the Basque Diaspora, Basque language acquisition, and bring greater awareness of the Basque presence in California’s Central Valley. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in History from California State University, Bakersfield and a Masters in Library and Information Science from San José State University. He also teaches courses in Archives and Special Collections and Oral history methods at CSUB. Here is more information about the The Lertxun-marrak: The Arborglyph Collaborative Project. The Lertxun-marrak: The Arborglyph Collaborative is a tri-state academic partnership between University of Nevada, Reno, Boise State University, and California State University, Bakersfield utilizing grant funding to establish a network of interested organizations, create protocols for documenting Basque arborglyphs, and to provide a framework for the public to more easily access information about these historical carvings. For more information please visit: https://library.unr.edu/places/knowledge-center/basque-library/projects/the-arborglyph-collaborative
About Kern County Library's Local History Room:
Visitors are invited to relive the past and dive into a treasure trove of archival information by visiting the Local History Room located on the second floor of Beale Memorial Library. The collection houses books, directories, maps, periodicals, newsletters, and photographs covering a remarkable range of subjects related to Kern County and our remarkable history. Local History collections can also be accessed online by visiting kernlibrary.org/local-history.
About Kern County Library: Kern County Library is dedicated to building community and cultivating opportunities for Kern County residents by connecting people, ideas, information, and technology.
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