Fifth-generation Northern Nevadan portrays early Valley settler on Student Day

Sarah Jane Kinsey may have been dead since 1905, but museum volunteer Laurie Hickey will bring the early Carson Valley settler back to life again for Student Day at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center on Saturday.

Sarah Jane's husband Stephen Kinsey lived from 1828-1903 and Hickey, a fifth-generation Northern Nevadan, was remotely related to him.

"Kinsey's wife's half brother was Theodore Perry Hawkins, a Pony Express relief rider from Genoa," said Hickey at the Pony Express reride in June 2006. "Hawkins'wife Clara Martin's mother was Agnes Martin Wells. She was my great-great-grandmother."

On Student Day, students can get a free tour of the museum led by costumed folks from the Valley's history, including this month's portrayal of Sarah Jane Kinsey, one of the first Mormons who homesteaded in Genoa, at Mormon Station in 1855. Students can hear the history of the well-to-do couple, as well as some inside tales about their lives.

The Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center is located at 1477 Highway 395, Gardnerville.

Guided tours for students, led by costumed guides, will be offered at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Student Day, students will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information call 782-2555.