Old Schoolhouse Lecture Series

This is an ADA accessible activity - little to no travel required.

September 13, John Watkins, "Deep Sky Objects: From Asteroids to Galaxies" 

In this lecture, we embark on a journey through the universe, exploring a diverse array of deep sky objects that range from our Solar System's closest inhabitants to the distant, massive galaxies that populate the cosmos. By the end of our journey, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and scale of the universe, and the interconnected nature of celestial phenomena from the smallest asteroids to the largest galaxies.

John Watkins is a professor of Physics and Astronomy at Copper Mountain College and serves on the board of Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center. With a background from NASA, Professor Watkins is deeply passionate about the pristine dark skies of the desert. Over his two years at CMC, he has collaborated with Sky’s The Limit Observatory to create a satellite campus for astronomy classes at the observatory. Join us for a stellar lecture experience!

October 11, Elizabeth Paige, Connectivity of Cultural Landscapes: Chem Penechenaxh Pi Ivax'a

Elizabeth Paige is a Desert naturalist and a member of the Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians. She has worked with organizations such as the Mojave Desert Land Trust, Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, and Cactus to Clouds Foundation. She also served as a cohort on the 2021 Desert Keepers Council for the National Parks Conservation Association. She is dedicated to cultural preservation and advancing Indigenous people working in science and conservation. She is currently the Education and Stewardship Program manager for the Native American Land Conservancy.

November 8, Thomas Crochetiere, "The Story of Bill Keys: An American Pioneer"
This is the life story of William F. Keys, or Bill, as his friends called him. Bill started life working in the family business. He left home in Nebraska at age 15 in 1894 and moved west to become a cowboy.  During his journey, he learned to be a cattleman, miner, prospector, assayer, miller, muleskinner, lawman, blacksmith, carpenter, mason, engineer, farmer, homesteader, husband, father, and friend. Bill led a one-of-a-kind life. He adapted to the ever-changing challenges he encountered throughout life and would become a cornerstone of Joshua Tree National Park. This is not just Bill Keys’ story; it is a story of an American pioneer!

Thomas Crochetiere works with the National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park as an Interpretation-Visitor Service Representative. After retiring from a career in public service, he began working with the NPS in 2013. From the more than 302,000 eligible volunteers, Thomas was recognized for his contributions to the park service during the NPS National Volunteer Week in April 2019 and featured in an article titled “NPS Meet Our Volunteers: Tom Crochetiere.” In February 2024, after volunteering more than 5,000 hours at JTNP, he was honored by being presented with the President’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Thomas also volunteers as a welcome ambassador at the California Welcome Center in Yucca Valley. He is a Twentynine Palms Historical Society member and the Morongo Basin Historical Museum. As a local historian, Thomas spends countless hours researching area history. While identifying and promoting historical records, he enjoys putting together the puzzle pieces to offer a unique perspective on events that helped shape the communities and places around us. Thomas is an avid traveler, having visited all 50 states, and is in the process of doing it all again. A devoted park visitor, he is passionate about Joshua Tree National Park and all our National Park units and enjoys sharing them with others.  

December 13, Ruth Nolan, "Stories of 29 Palms: Oasis of Mara, Desert Eccentrics, Marine Base, National Park"
Starting with an acknowledgment of stories of the Oasis of Mara and some of the Mojave Desert's earliest residents - Southern Paiute, Serrano, and other indigenous people - and following a storied trajectory of the establishment and settlement of the iconic and unique town of 29 Palms, this lecture takes a deep dive into a carefully chosen body of desert literature that shimmers under the sun and sets the sands ablaze by evoking the bold character of this celebrated, one of a kind place. We'll take a look at 29-themed stories by Elizabeth Crozer Campbell, Helen Bagley, Deanne Stillman, Ruth Nolan, Mary Sojourner, and more, and how their writing fuels the spirit and soul of the town situated at the southernmost edge of the Mojave between a large Marine Base and one of our most famous National Parks. Theirs is a beautiful, rugged desert place where native fan palm trees rustle artistically in the forever desert winds, etched by haunting red sunsets to the west matched by stories that ignite the imagination. 

Ruth Nolan, M.F.A., M.A., is a Mojave Desert writer and California desert literature scholar. She is the author of After the Dome Fire, Ruby Mountain, and editor of No Place for a Puritan: The Literature of California's Deserts. A former wildland firefighter working in the Mojave Desert and Western U.S., she is an English and Creative Writing professor at College of the Desert. She has lectured and taught workshops for Desert Institute since 2004. 

The Twentynine Palms Historical Society, in collaboration with Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park Association, is bringing this lecture series to you.