The Reno River Festival

World Footprints traveled to Reno, NV to accept a First Place award from the North American Travel Journalists Association for their travel show. Today’s show is broadcast from the banks of the Truckee River during the Reno River Festival. Guests include Betsy McDonald who will share the history of the Reno River Fest and the Reno-Tahoe region. World Footprints will also visit the National Automobile Museum and review the Bill Harrah collection and the fascinating stories behind some of the cars. Finally, we’ll explore the underwater world of shipwrecks and treasure hunting with noted marine archaeologist Dr. E. Lee Spence and learn the story behind his discovery of the real identity of Rhett Butler.

Episode Segments:

World Footprints: Inside the Reno River Festival Betsy McDonald, PR Director for the Reno River Festival gives Ian and Tonya all the details on the nation’s preeminent white water festival, including all of the attractions and entertainment. This year’s festival is expected to draw 50,000 fans.
Embed Code
World Footprints: National Automobile Museum One of the nation’s top automotive museums is in the heart of Reno: The National Automobile Museum. Bill Harrah, founder of Harrah’s Casino, was an avid car collector, and the best of his collection now resides in the museum. Ester Issac of the museum talks about Mr. Harrah and the origins of the collection.
Embed Code
World Footprints: Dr. E. Lee Spence Dr. E. Lee Spence is an internationally recognized expert on shipwrecks and has long been considered one of the founding fathers of marine archeology. In part one of our conversation, we learn what prompted his interest on finding the hidden treasures of the ocean floor, and discuss some of his more interesting discoveries.
Embed Code
World Footprints: Dr. E. Lee Spence Part Two In part two of our conversation, Dr. Spence explains his greatest discovery, the identity of the real Rhett Butler, and how that related to marine archeology.
Embed Code

Links to Related Websites:

The National Automobile Museum Website The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) lets you travel through time like few other places can. J It features more than 220 antique, vintage, classic and special interest vehicles.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Dr. E. Lee Spence Dr. E. Lee Spence is an internationally known expert on shipwrecks and has long been considered one of the founding fathers of marine archaeology. He is currently president of the Sea Research Society and Vice President of the International Diving Institute. Although Lee has discovered numerous historically significant shipwrecks including the wreck of the Hunley, which was the first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship, he considers his identification of George Trenholm as the “Real Rhett Butler” to have been his most interesting discovery. Become a friend of Dr. Spence on Facebook. Learn More about Dr. Spence