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Spellbinder SHORT session

30 minute, free storytelling session with Marianne

Free · 30 minutes

Spellbinder LONG session

45 minute, free storytelling session with Marianne

Free · 45 minutes

Sinister Supernatural TOUR

2023 DATES: Sun. Oct. 29, 2 - 4 p.m. Sinister /sinistər/ (adjective)-- portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous. Does evil lurk below the surface of this quaint ski town?! Tour highlights include: Ute supernatural creatures, final Indian battle, haunted hospital and red light district. Walk the downtown streets 4th - 7th. Where to go: Meet at Carl Howelsen's Statue (705 Lincoln Ave #103, corner of 7th Street & Lincoln Ave, in front of Howelsen Place). Program is free although tips are accepted. No RSVP required. Private tours call/text: 970.846.2041.

3 hours

Sinister Paranormal TOUR

2023 DATES: Sat. Oct. 28, 2 - 5 p.m. Sinister /sinistər/ (adjective)-- portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous. Does evil lurk below the surface of this quaint ski town?! Tour highlights include: Paranormal at Perry-Mansfield, Steamboat's original cemetery, black widow murder, Routt Co's first ghost story and the most well-documented haunted building. Walk the downtown streets 7th - 9th. Where to go: Meet at Carl Howelsen's Statue (705 Lincoln Ave #103, corner of 7th Street & Lincoln Ave, in front of Howelsen Place). Program is free although tips are accepted. No RSVP required. Private tours call/text: 970.846.2041.

3 hours

Secrets of the Sulphur Cave TOUR (Public version)

Public Tours: Currently N/A. Private tours call/text: 970.846.2041 Program is free although tips are accepted. Meet at Carl Howelsen Statue (705 Lincoln Ave, corner of 7th & Lincoln, in front of Marmot store in Howelsen Place). Tour highlights include: Find out why this is Colorado's newest National Natural Landmark was my personal obsession for a decade. As a Natural & Cultural Historian, I have done extensive research on this mind-blowing hole in Howelsen Hill and I talk about if from a variety of perspectives--native, ancient Western literature and history, early European explorers and recent scientific explorations. Be prepared for sun exposure and loose off-trail hiking.

Free · 2 hours

BearDancer & the Medicine Springs (Living History)

Composite Living History of a Yampatika Ute girl (includes costuming and props). BearDancer shares details about Ute culture, living in the Yampa Valley and experiences with early, non-native people. Featured vignette: an adaptation of the Ute creation story.

30 minutes

Almost-hiSTORY: Scheherazade & the Arabian Nights

Enter the wild, singing marketplace of the ancient Persian empire and end up in the marble and ivory palace of Sultan Shariyar. Let his Queen Scheherazade spin a tale from the famous 100,1 Arabian Nights.

30 minutes

Pioneer Girl (Living History with Lulie Crawford)

An introduction to Steamboat’s first pioneers—their travels and early cabins in Colorado—through storytelling by Lulie the oldest child in the Crawford family. Learn about how early Crawford Christmases were celebrated then interact with toys and activities children used more than 100 years ago.

1 hour

Almost-hiSTORY: Steamboat Lake Shadows

A mash-up of rich Routt County history, folklore and fantasy. First, learn about the "ghost town" known as Poverty Bar. Then dive deeper into the northern landscape to find out what lurks below the surface of the deep, dark waters of Steamboat Lake and what would you do if you encountered it?

30 minutes

Pioneer Boy (Living History)

A turn-of-the-century boyhood story in Steamboat Springs told from the perspective of Logan Crawford (with help from John Daniel and Marcellus “Celly” Merrill): details a boy’s daily life 1875 – 1915 including interactions with the plant, animal and people (native & non-native) communities, and the types of jobs children and adults had in the earlier years of Routt County. Featured vignette: Logan & the Lions.

1 hour

Mother of Routt County (Living History)

Living History as told by the "Mother" of Steamboat Springs and Routt County: An overview of early Routt County history with an in-depth exploration of the founding and growth of the town of Steamboat Springs; detailed narrative about life as a local homesteader and mother, Margaret Emerine Bourn Crawford.

1 hour

Routt County History TOUR (SGS & SPE version)

A 1.5 hour tour. Description: Visit natural and historic sites between 7th and 10th Streets including the original town square, power plant, county seat building/jail, and business district. Highlights include historic photos that support the stories of schools, snow, churches, springs and "the most well-documented" haunted house downtown.

1 hour 30 minutes

Community Walking TOUR (SCE version)

2 hours walking tour (duration depends on start & end points) of natural and historic sites between 11th and 13th Streets including several mineral springs, the Cabin Hotel, all Crawford homesites, and a visit to (possibly, inside) the Crawford mansion. Highlights include Steamboat's flora, fauna and biogeography; early homesteading; local place names & details; "tasting" the Soda Springs; and, historic photographs.

2 hours

Pioneers & Pools: Birth of Town TOUR

Learn about the landscape that inspired the founding of this town—both its natural and cultural history. Visit mineral springs, train depot, and pioneer homestead sites. (11 - 13th Streets). Sign up here for a private tour. For public tours, go to my Facebook page "Steamboat Springs History Tours with Marianne Capra." Pay with cash, check or Zelle (Marianne Capra).

$20/per person · 2 hours

hiSTORY: Fly Gulch Schoolhouse

Step back in time at the Fly Gulch Schoolhouse (on the SPE grounds). Pretend to be a student of the past practicing lessons, doing chores, and playing with historic toys.

1 hour

hiSTORY: Flag for the Fourth

The true tale of the first Fourth of July celebration organized and executed by Steamboat Springs' homesteaders. Story highlights include: Yampatika Ute and pioneer interactions, local flora and early favorite foods.

30 minutes

Pioneers & Plants mini-TOUR (Botanic Park)

Ethnobotanical adventure identifies abiotic & biotic resources and spotlights seasonal plants, shrubs and trees used by Steamboat's native and non-native peoples. Time-travel using your taste, smell, sight and touch. Includes historic photos. Program Organizer must contact the Botanic Park before scheduling this program. This mini-TOUR is scalable based on the Program Organizer's needs: usually it lasts 20 - 30 minutes for second graders.This mini-TOUR typically runs as one piece of a bigger program (a.k.a. a rotation). That said, it could easily be it's own full-fledged two hour TOUR for adults, families or groups of any age. In fact, I ran it this way for many years before it got scaled down. Just email ([email protected]) or text (970.846.2041) if you are interested in this bigger and/or customized option. It's really FUN and educational.

2 hours

Stories: Celtic Creatures

This well-researched storytelling program features creatures from the British Isles--fairies (e.g. redcaps), leprechauns and merfolk--both creepy and cute folkloric beings in that region. These are NOT tales about Tinkerbells. BEWARE: Celtic Creatures despise glitter and green beer; they lurk in lonesome forests, crashing waves, and howling winds.

1 hour

Almost-hiSTORY: Shoebox Social

Time travel to the 1930s with Martha walking barefoot on the dirt roads to school. This is an adaptation of The Orange Shoes by Trinka Hakes Noble that segues perfectly into the true story of Steamboat's own Shoebox Social. These somber stories tug at your heartstrings and teach the power of a communities coming together to help themselves.

1 hour

Community Walking TOUR (SGS & SPE version)

Walking tour (start & end at Little Toots Playground) of natural and historic sites between 11th and 13th Streets including several mineral springs, the Cabin Hotel, all Crawford homesites, and a visit (hopefully, inside) of the Crawford mansion. Highlights include Steamboat's flora, fauna and biogeography; early homesteading; local place names & details; "tasting" the Soda Springs; and, historic photographs.

1 hour 30 minutes

Hiding in Plain Sight: Sulphur Cave Stories (PowerPoint)

One hour natural & cultural hiSTORYtelling about the most fascinating features of this brand-new National Natural Landmark in Steamboat Springs, CO. Includes historic and contemporary photography.

1 hour

hiSTORY-meets-science: Mountain Lion!

This one hour interactive program teaches the naming, biological adaptations, and past & present stories of mountain lions. Program includes costuming, props, photographs and fascinating facts about these elusive, charismatic wild cats. Featured vignette: Logan & the Lions. By Special Request: DIY mountain lion plaster track

1 hour

hiSTORY: Local Ute Legends

Costumed hiSTORYtelling breathes life into traditional tales: I will select a couple of Ute-specific legends tailored to your group (ex. Ute Creation story, Sleeping Giant, The Sulphur Cave Skinwalker, Water Babies). Program may include information about the role of fact versus fiction in authenticating local legends. Time-permitting: use clues I provide to create an urban legend of your own.

1 hour

Local History 101: Steamboat's Past & Preservation TOUR

Tour description: Explore the heart of historical downtown—architecture, artifact, infrastructure & art—to see the rise of the marketplace, past & present. Visit the original town square, power plant, and jail/courthouse. (7th - 10th Streets). Private tours call/text: 970.846.2041 Program is free although tips are accepted. Meet at Carl Howelsen Statue (705 Lincoln Ave, corner of 7th & Lincoln, in front of Marmot store in Howelsen Place).

Free · 2 hours

Margaret Duncan Brown (Living History)

An evocative "living history" of Famous Coloradan (1900 – 1965) and Routt County resident (1915 – 1965) and her experiences as a female rancher of cattle and sheep: homesteading, making a living, and surviving the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. This true story is told from a first-person perspective with time for Q & A at the end. Be inspired by Margaret Duncan Brown also known as The Shepherdess of Elk River Valley.

1 hour

hiSTORY: Logan and the Lions

The true adventure of Logan Crawford & the Lions: Steamboat's first pioneer boy and his experiences of the flora, fauna and landscape. Highlights local place names, mountain lion adaptations, (optional) historic photographs and descriptions of early transportation in the Yampa Valley.

45 minutes

Marjorie Perry (Living History)

Meet social outlaw, Marjorie Perry--the lesser known sister who participated in the creation of the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp today. As the "camp" part of that creative coalition, she was the riding instructor who also enticed Carl Howelsen to Steamboat Springs as well as Eleanor Bliss. Marjorie was a charter member of the Colorado Mountain Club and was a ski pioneer inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame. This true story is a WILD ride!

1 hour

sense-of-place-story: Moose's Moonlight Party

Fall in love with Moose as she plans a full moon party for her friends. This musical tale talks about animal adaptions and local landscapes and invites the audience to sing along with its cast of characters. Time permitting and when it's audience-appropriate: After the silly story learn about the history, science and legends of Routt County moose-quitoes.

45 minutes

Secrets of The Hill: Carl & the Story of Howelsen Hill

Hear the story of The Hill’s namesake and his cultural and economic impacts; the geologic forces that shaped The Hill itself and its meaning for its citizens today; an overview of Steamboat Springs’ Olympic heritage; and an uphill trip to the ultimate secret buried within. Meet at the covered entrance to Howelsen Hill Lodge. Sign up here for a private tour. For public tours, go to my Facebook page "Steamboat Springs History Tours with Marianne Capra." Pay with cash, check or Zelle (Marianne Capra).

$20/per person · 2 hours

Routt County History TOUR (SCE version)

2 hour walking tour (begin and end at SCE) of natural and historic sites between 7th and 10th Streets including the original town square, power plant, county seat building/jail, and business district. Highlights include historic photos that support the stories of schools, snow, churches, springs and "the most well-documented" haunted house downtown.

2 hours

Stories: Runaway with Minty (Harriet Tubman)

This NEW story is currently under construction to debut February 2024: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad with interactive Somatic Strategies for facing fear, danger and the unknown. Well-matched with February's Black History month--or any time of year--and if the US Treasury gets its act together, Harriet will replace Pres. Andrew Jackson on the $20 in the year 2030.

45 minutes

Tombstone TOUR

Take a field trip to the largest cemetery in Routt County located on Lincoln Avenue near the Transit Center. Visit the graves that spotlight Routt County industries and historic events. Time- and interest-permitting: Students work in small groups, provided prompts to re-enact the hiSTORY of buried, big personalities. *Bus reservation required and program ONLY runs during the TEMPORATE MONTHS as the cemetery does NO snow removal.

2 hours

Stories: Simon and the Bear (Hanukkah)

This multicultural story spotlights the holiday of Hanukkah: it is told from the perspective of Simon a Russian Jewish immigrant boy crossing the ocean to America, encountering a polar bear and using his courage and wits to escape a dire situation. Dreidels and other supplies are provided to play the traditional game at the end. This is an adaptation of Eric Kimmel's picture book.

1 hour

Student Sinister TOUR

The Best Of Marianne Capra’s wildly popular Sinister East & Sinister West Tours, the student tour is packed full of complex hiSTORY with an exclusive focus on the dark side of human nature and events including local supernatural and paranormal phenomena. *Tour start and end points must be discussed with Marianne Capra. Could be a half-day program if students bring a bagged lunch. This is booked as a 2-hour experience but can be customized as needed.

2 hours

The Secrets of The Hill TOUR (SCE version)

A 2 hour walking tour (begin and end at SCE) of natural and historic sites at and near Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs. Highlights include: The life and times of Carl Howelsen and his cultural and economic impacts locally; the geologic & economic forces that shaped The Hill itself and its meaning for its citizens today; a brief overview of Steamboat Springs’ Olympic heritage; and a trip to the ultimate secret buried in that hill.

2 hours

The Secrets of The Hill TOUR (SGS & SPE version)

Arrive by bus and begin and end at Howelsen Hill Lodge. This is a 2 hour walking tour of natural and historic sites at and near Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs. Highlights include: The life and times of Carl Howelsen and his cultural and economic impacts locally; the geologic & economic forces that shaped The Hill itself and its meaning for its citizens today; a (possible) brief overview of Steamboat Springs’ Olympic heritage; and an uphill trip to the ultimate secret buried in that Hill.

2 hours

Marianne Capra

A Natural & Cultural History Interpreter in national parks and outdoor schools: Marianne has spent 16+ years growing a family and contributing to Yampatika, the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the City of Steamboat Springs Environ. Coalition and local schools.