With great expansion and settlement of the West also came something a little more undesirable; the Outlaws. As soon as the tracks were laid bad guys began turning their attention from robbing banks to the railroads crossing vast open country carrying money, goods and passengers, with only the train’s crew as defense.
In this session we will explore the following robberies out of the many that took place in the old west.
1. The Rock Island James Gang Robbery in 1873, Adair Iowa. First Moving train robbery and first train robbery west of the Mississippi. This session will include a virtual visit to the site and a student CSI activity.
2. Big Nosed George’s attempted robbery in 1878 at Medicine Bow Wyoming. In this failed robbery the consequences for the robbers were almost unbelievable. (Teacher discretion is advised).
3. Tipton Wyoming Union Pacific train robbery. A well documented robbery by the Hole in the Wall Gang in 1899.. Part of the Movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was based on this robbery.
All “events” discussed are supported by original documents, photos and artifacts not even available to the general museum public, as well as video trips to the original James Gang and Council Bluffs robbery sites.
Student participating will be provided with a CSI grid and follow along gathering clues using the “crime solving tools of the times - “the power of deduction, observation, community involvement and logic to capture the criminals.
Students will also investigate the “accuracy of information gathered” and how it continues in our internet times as well as the “Hollywood” interpretations.
Mike Irwin
mirwin@durhammuseum.org
801 South 10st.
Omaha, NE 68108
United States
Phone: (402) 444-5027
Durham Museum
Free Program
45 Minutes
By Request
The buck-tooth rodent at the center of so much media attention during the opening days of February bears the scientific name Marmota monax. Contrary to the pervasive myth, this large member of the squirrel family is not able to predict the arrival of an early spring. Groundhogs do, however, possess an amazing array of physical and behavioral adaptations that help them survive in habitats ranging from mature forests to hayfields. During this class-period length session students will learn about those adaptations and the role this easily observable creature plays in a wide range of ecosystems. 
