August 12, 2024 – Mariposa County Library officials announce the Mariposa Library and El Portal Library will be hosting a presentation led by local educator and artist Shirley Spencer in September. It centers around the women in John Muir's life and how they influenced him.

The life and work of Muir was inspired and enhanced due to a number of women that played enormous roles during various chapters of his life. These women were crucial to Muir and his role with them as son, mentee, husband and father. Five women take the stage; one as tender and kind mother, one as mentor and advisor, one as supporting and encouraging wife and two beloved daughters. We will explore Ann Gilrye Muir, kind and nurturing mother, and the nearly life-long influence of Jeanne Carr, the wife of Muir’s professor, Dr. Ezra Carr. Also, we will discuss Louie Strentzel, his devoted and supportive wife, and Wanda Muir and Helen Muir, his loving and spirited daughters. We will consider the Muir: influential preservationist, author, naturalist, and explorer, and five of the women who shared, shaped and enriched his life.

There have been some negative findings related to Muir's life. Shirley Spencer will touch on these things for a moment, but Muir is not the true focus of the presentation. Rather we examine the women who influenced him and his life.

The Mariposa event will be held Wednesday, September 11 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The El Portal event will be held the following day on Thursday, September 12 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call 209-966-2140 to sign up.

View full-size flyer here.

Source: Mariposa County Library