We’re thrilled to announce that Nina Paul Shumway will be recognized for her incredible contributions to our region during Women’s History Month!
🏅 On Friday, March 21, 2025, from 11:30 AM -2:30 PM, The Daughters of the American Revolution will honor Nina for her legacy as a true pioneer and American trailblazer.
📍 Location: Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, CA
If you’d like to join us for this special event, we would love to see you there! Lunch is $37, and you can RSVP by reaching out to Joanne Hardy at hohojo2@earthlink.net.
Press Release
Coachella Valley Pioneer and Preservationist To Receive A Women in History Award!
On Friday, March 21, 2025, at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA, Nina Paul Shumway, a pioneer and one of the very first conservationists of The Coachella Valley will receive A Women in History Award from The Daughters of The Revolution (DAR, Cahuilla Chapter). Cathy Paul Brant, Nina’s niece, who helped Nina write her book Mountain of Discovery, will be on hand to accept the Women in History Award.
Also present on March 21st will be John and Yolanda Kalb, Executive Producers for an inspirational documentary film called God, Guts and Grit (The Legacy of Nina Paul Shumway). It is a tribute to Nina Paul Shumway and the grit and resilience of the early pioneers of The Coachella Valley.
The film, about Nina Paul Shumway’s life, is being created by Emmy-Nominated, Award-Winning Filmmaker Pamela Peak, whose films have inspired millions on PBS. Pamela has an unparalleled ability to weave history into deeply moving and personal stories. Her past works include the Colorblind and Voices of a Never-Ending Dawn, both appearing nationally on PBS and throughout PBS Canada.
The Story of Nina Paul Shumway
Nina Paul Shumway’s extraordinary story is at the heart of God, Guts, and Grit. A young woman from a pampered Victorian upbringing, Nina was thrust into the harsh realities of desert farming in the early 1900s when her father, W.L. Paul, left a prosperous farm in Nebraska to help establish the date industry in the Coachella Valley.
Nina’s poetic writings and vivid descriptions of life as a settler form the soul of this documentary. Her books, Your Desert and Mine and Mountain of Discovery, offer a powerful testament to the physical, mental, and spiritual fortitude required to build a life in this unforgiving land.
“Nina’s writings are nothing short of profound,” says Peak. “Reading her work, I was struck by the sheer strength and grace it took for her and others to endure the challenges of desert life. Her story deserves to be told, and I’m honored to bring it to life in this film.”
“Experiencing Nina Paul Shumway receive A Women in History Award from The Daughters of The Revolution Event on March 21st, is such an honor.” says filmmaker Peak.
“As I studied Nina’s life through her books, poetry and writings, all I could think of was that honoring this great woman is so fitting. She led a life of courage and strength and laid the foundation for generations of Americans to come. Through Nina’s well-written poems and books, she truly has left a legacy for all of us to follow – It is a legacy that exemplifies the resilience of The American Spirit.”
A Community Collaboration
The documentary film about Nina Paul Shumway is spearheaded by Executive Producers John and Yolanda Kalb, residents of the Pinyon Crest area, who first brought Nina’s story to Pamela Peak. Yolanda Kalb has also played a pivotal role in researching the film, with invaluable support from the Coachella Valley History Museum’s archivists and researchers.
The film also features the expertise of local historian Harry Quinn and area resident Kitty Kiely Hayes, the great-granddaughter of Coachella Valley pioneer and businesswoman Nellie Coffman.
Kitty Kiely Hayes, who knew Nina Paul Shumway personally, will be present and will also speak at The Daughters of The Revolution Award Luncheon as well.
An Invitation to Experience History
“My goal, as a filmmaker, has always been to make history personal and meaningful for people of all ages,” says Peak. “And now, a wonderful courageous spirit – Nina Paul Shumway - who was far ahead of her time as a woman, is being honored by The Daughters of The Revolution (Cahuilla Chapter, DAR). I only wish Nina Paul Shumway was here to accept this well-deserved award. But somewhere in my heart I know Nina will feel it! She had such a love for The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountain areas, and I want to thank The Daughters of The Revolution for making this all happen.”
Event Details:
What: Nina Paul Shumway, a pioneer and one of the very first conservationists of The Coachella Valley will receive A Women in History Award from The Daughters of The Revolution (DAR, Cahuilla Chapter).
When: Friday, March 21, 2025 – 11:30 – 2:30 pm
Where: Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA
To RSVP for the luncheon at Mission Hills Country Club please contact Joanne Hardy, Chairman at hohojo2@earthlink.net It is $37.00.
To reach Executive Producers of the film, God, Guts and Grit (The Legacy of Nina Paul Shumway), John and Yolanda Kalb, please call: (714) 401-0324 or email them at: nvtheatre01@aol.com
To reach writer, producer, director Pamela Peak of the film God, Guts and Grit (The Legacy of Nina Paul Shumway) please call: (949) 439-8735 or email Pamela at Pamela@PamelaPeakProductions.com