Summer Lecture Series

Join us for another summer of history!

As the series has grown more popular, we are relocating the indoor talks to the Old Frisco Community Center at 3rd Avenue and Granite Street. The outdoor talks will remain at the Historic Park Gazebo, weather permitting.

Things to know before you go

• All the lectures are free to attend!
• Doors open at 11:45am to allow staff and our speaker time to set up.
• Seating is still limited and is first come, first serve.
• Please leave your pets at home.
• Please leave snacks and food at home.

Locations

This year we are in two locations. Please refer to the lineup below for weekly locations.

• Old Frisco Community Center- 110 3rd Avenue, Frisco, CO 80443
• Historic Park Gazebo- 120 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443

2026 Lineup

June 24, 2026, 12:00PM, at the Old Frisco Community Center

Summit County’s Narrow-Gauge Railroads, presented by Bob Schoppe

A PowerPoint presentation covering the history of the two railroads, both narrow gauge, that served Summit County.  Their growth and decline, along with their influence on the county’s towns and inhabitants, are covered.

July 1, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Casimiro Barela: The Perpetual Senator and the Creation of the 38th Star, presented by Angel Vigil of History Colorado

Casimiro Barela, the Legendary Perpetual Senator, is the longest serving state senator in Colorado history. Also known as the Father of the Colorado Senate, Angel Vigil of History Colorado tells the story of his life and the creation of the 38 Star, the state of Colorado. Casimiro co-wrote the state constitution and his story is the story of a man who lived an epic life and is one of 16 famous personages who have stained glass portraits in the rotunda of the Colorado state capitol. His life story and the creation of the state of Colorado is one amazing story – literally a tale for the ages.

July 8, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Old Frisco Community Center

Teddy Roosevelt and the American West, presented Dr. Andy Gulliford

Andrew Gulliford, Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, will speak about President Theodore Roosevelt’s youth, his passion for the West, his indomitable Western spirit, and his impact on national parks and national monuments. Visitors will understand the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt on wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and public lands in the American West.  Guests will come away with new knowledge about Teddy’s travels in Colorado and the Teddy Bear truth (make sure to bring yours!). It will be a BULLY!!! time for all who attend.

July 15, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Old Frisco Community Center

Mining Evolution in Summit County: From A Shot In the Dark To Strategic Drilling – Thea O’Lari, Climax Molybdenum

From a gold rush to rare earth elements, how did Summit County quietly go from a wild west mining claim free for all based on luck to a scientifically- based precious metals epicenter? What has changed over the past 200 years to make mining profitable and efficient? Find out as Thea O’Lari, Senior Civil Engineer at Climax Molybdenum Mine, shares the evolution of mining in Summit County.

July 22, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Haulin’ Ass: Running with the Burros, presented by Brad and Amber Wann of ReDONKulous Ranch Sanctuary & Rescue

Pack Burro Racing is the only sport native to Colorado. Participants will learn about the history of one of the highest altitude races in the world, as well as the stories of racing legends. Attendees are invited to discover why people are drawn to this crazy sport and meet a burro!

July 29, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Old Frisco Community Center

What We Measure, What We Miss: Water, Rationality, and the American West, presented by Matthew Makley from Metropolitan State University of Denver

In the American West, water is one of the most measured and engineered elements of the natural world. From iconic structures like Hoover Dam to the complex network of diversions that sustain Colorado’s Front Range, we tend to celebrate the systems that control water more than water itself. This talk examines how rationality—focused on quantification and efficiency—has shaped western water realities, often at the expense of deeper cultural and ethical relationships. Centering Indigenous perspectives from the Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande Basin, this talk invites a reconsideration of what “value” means in a water-scarce world. Can we imagine a future that honors both human ingenuity and the life of rivers?

August 5, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Frisco History, presented by Blair Miller & Jana Arnold of the Frisco Historic Park & Museum

Join Historic Park and Museum Manager Blair Miller and Museum Guest Service Specialist Jana Arnold as they tell the story of Frisco! Travel back in time to learn about the area recognized as Frisco before incorporation through the present day. Topics will cover fur trading, mining, homesteading, early Frisco townsfolk, the Great Depression, and how Frisco became the town we know and love today. As difficult as it is to fit all our years of history into one hour, we are certainly going to try!

August 12, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Old Frisco Community Center

Black History in Colorado, presented by Terri Gentry from History Colorado and board member of Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

This lecture highlights the history of Black Americans in Colorado from the 1850s through present day that include homesteaders, cowboys, military, medical and business professionals, community members, and their contributions to Colorado history.

August 19, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Seasons of the Nuche, Presented by Skyler Lomahaftewa and the Aspen Historical Society

Storytelling has been used in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, and cultural preservation. Nina Gabianelli from the Aspen Historical Society and Skyler Lomahaftewa, a Northern Ute tribal member, will present both the history of the native people and the modern-day Ute experience. Nina and Skyler are summer lecture series regulars with an entertaining and educational style fit for the whole family!

August 26, 2026, 12:00pm, at the Old Frisco Community Center

History of Mountain Rescue in Summit County, presented by Glenn Kraatz

Fifty-four years ago, a group of back country recreationalists met to discuss forming a volunteer search and rescue team in Summit County.  The next year, the Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG) registered itself as a nonprofit organization with the State of Colorado.  In its first year, the dozen or so members of SCRG handled eight search and rescue calls.  Last year, the Group’s 75 volunteers responded to over 200 requests for help that came through the County’s 911 call center.  Come listen to how search and rescue has changed over the last half century from Glen Kraatz, a 26-year veteran with SCRG and one of the Team’s Mission Coordinators.

Sponsorship

Are you interested in sponsoring an event at the Historic Park & Museum? For more information, email Museum@TownofFrisco.com.