Home on the range in Humu‘ula: UH-Hilo professor to share research of early ranching on Hawaii Island

The Lyman Museum is hosting a presentation by University of Hawaii at Hilo professor Peter Mills titled “Tales of Early Ranching in Humu‘ula: Archaeological and Archival Adventures” from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday (May 21) and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 22).

After a full house during his February After Dark at the Park presentation, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mills reprises the popular account of his 17 years of research into paniolo culture in the ahupua‘a of Humu‘ula on the eastern slopes of Maunakea.

His extensive field studies and documentary research bring the early days of Hawaii Island sheep and cattle ranching into sharp focus.

Major events explored by Mills’ project include the death of famed botanist David Douglas in a cattle trap in 1834; the development of the Waimea Grazing and Agricultural Co. operations from the 1850s to 1870s; and the activities of the Humu‘ula Sheep Co. from the 1870s to 1914.

Mills will captivate the audience with anecdotes from the archives and accounts of his exciting fieldwork.

The presentation is part of the museum’s Saigo Public Program lecture series. Admission is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers.

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo and showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.