History Presentation - Into the Jaws of Hell

Local historian David Woodruff assumes the character of William Lewis Manley in a riveting Chautauqua performance. In 1849, Manley was one of dozens of pioneers who stumbled, off-course, into the harsh eastern California desert while searching for a shortcut to the California goldfields. Manley recounts the dramatic and heroic tale of how stranded, forlorn and desperate men, women and children, endured unfathomable hardships in an effort to keep their families alive…and christened the chilling name upon their fateful location, Death Valley.

This presentation will take place on August 23, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:15pm at Minden Mill Distilling. It’s free to attend, provided you have reserved a ticket. Tickets will become available starting August 4, 2026. Spots are very limited, so reserve your ticket early. You can find out more and get tickets to this and other events by going to Minden Mill’s official website and selecting “Book Your Visit,” then “Reservations,” or clicking here.