Episode 4: Carlin Historical Society and Museum - a podcast by Ayla Anderson

from 2020-10-20T11:00

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This episode was done in Carlin, Nevada, which is my hometown! I spoke with Ella Trujillo and Sabra Esparza about their journey in creating the museum, which actually began as a historic building was being destroyed, and the history of Carlin.

From its beginnings as a railroad town to its journey as a mining town, Carlin has an interesting history. Featured first in this episode is a particular concert advertisement that depicts the long-gone "party" days of a booming metropolis. The combination of the two artists is also a little intriguing: Country Western and Swing Judy Lynn (America's Champion Girl Yodeler) and Rock and Roll artist Pat Kelly and the Shamrocks!

 We also talk about the amazing story behind a forgotten Chinese graveyard and the journey after the death of the individuals buried there. 13 bodies were accidentally discovered in a backyard property in 1996. The unmarked graveyard became a flurry of activity as archeologists began unearthing the remains and artifacts. The 13 Chinese men were buried in the 1800s and likely were descendants of settlers from the railroad boom or immigrants who settled after the gold rush. Many different artifacts were found, and a choice few are on display at the Carlin Museum, including 3 burial stones, an opium pipe, and coffin handles.

Some 21 years after their discovery, the bodies were at long last laid to rest in the Carlin cemetery with proper Chinese burial practices performed by a local Chinese woman, Lijuchin “Lee” Chin. Finally put to rest and acknowledged by the community, the bodies may now rest in peace.


For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://aylaanderson.net/curatorschoice/episode-4-carlin-historical-society-and-museum


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