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

2025 Lineup

June 18, 2025, 12:00PM, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Early Mountaineering in Summit County, presented by Stan Moore

Colorado’s mountains have exerted strong pull and fascinated folks for centuries.  People have gone to the heights for many reasons.  Moore will look at events and stories recent and not so recent around exploration, climbing, and peaks in northern Colorado.  Come share a look at the region’s rich outdoor history.

June 25, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Backyard Garden Judo, presented by Dan Schroder from CSU Extension 

Have you wondered what will grow and what will not when it comes to native and ornamental plantings on your property? Being open to an “it depends” perspective may be your gardening superpower. At 9,000 feet and higher, choosing the right plant for the right place is the opportunity to find out. Join Dan Schroder, Summit County CSU Extension Agent, for a home horticulture conversation.

July 2, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Stories of the Mountain Man Trapper, presented by Angel Vigil from History Colorado

The Mountain Man is cloaked in myth and mystery. Living the rugged life of the free trapper he roamed the wild Rocky Mountains in search of a highly desired pelt – the beaver. His tales of isolation, danger and adventure, set amidst the stark beauty of the Rocky Mountains, tell the story of an epic life that disappeared too quickly never to come again. His is life is central to the mythos of the American frontier. Come and listen to his story.

July 9, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Seasons of the Nuche, Presented by Nina Gabianelli and Skyler Lomahaftewa from 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!

July 16, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Old Community Center on Granite & 3^rd Ave

Remembering Ludlow but Forgetting the Columbine: The 1927-1928 Colorado Coal Strike, presented by Leigh Campbell-Hale from Lafayette History Museum

Join Leigh Campbell-Hale of Lafayette History Museum for Remembering Ludlow but Forgetting the Columbine, in which she will examine the causes, context, and legacies of the 1927 Columbine Massacre in relation to the history of labor organizing and coal mining in both Colorado and the United States. While historians have written prolifically about the 1914 Ludlow Massacre, there has been a lack of attention to the violent event remembered now as the Columbine Massacre, in which police shot and killed six striking coal miners and wounded sixty more protestors during the 1927–1928 Colorado Coal Strike, even though its aftermath exerted far more influence upon subsequent national labor policies.

July 23, 2025, 1:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

National Repertory Orchestra from Breckenridge, Colorado

The performing artists will share how they became musicians, why they chose their instruments, who inspires them and why, and what their goals are in the world of music. The National Repertory Orchestra provides a unique opportunity for young, talented musicians to gather invaluable experience playing a broad variety of orchestral and chamber music. It is led by Music Director Michael Stern and joined by world-renowned guest conductors. Bring your camp chairs, as space in the Gazebo will be limited.

July 30, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Old Community Center on Granite & 3^rd Ave

The Woolly West, presented by Dr. Andrew Gulliford from Fort Lewis College

The sheep industry is an integral part of the history of the American West that continues to play a part in ranching even in the present day. From the politics of immigrant labor, the challenges of ecological change, the conflicts between the sheep and cattle industries, and so much more, there is a multitude of stories to be explored. Join us as Professor Andrew Gulliford of Fort Lewis College dives into the history of sheepscapes in Colorado.

August 6, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Historic Park Gazebo

Haulin’ Ass: Running with the Burros, presented by Brad and Amber Wann from 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!

August 13, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Old Community Center on Granite & 3^rd Ave

Have Skis, Will Travel: Immigrants in the 10th Mountain Division, presented by Flint Whitlock from the CO Snowsports Museum

During World War II, an experimental unit of 14,000 skiers, mountaineers, and mule-skinners trained in the Colorado Rockies under the tutelage of some of the finest winter-sport athletes from Europe. Come learn how these foreigners helped the 10th compile a brilliant combat record and then, after the war, helped develop ski areas such as Vail, Aspen, A-Basin, and dozens more, and spark the American skiing boom. On August 13, Flint Whitlock, award-winning author and son of a 10th veteran, will present the largely unknown story of this amazing group.

August 20, 2025, 12:00pm, at the Old Community Center on Granite & 3^rd Ave

Soiled Doves: The Working Women of Colorado’s Boom Days, presented by Julie Blanda from History Colorado

Learn about the women of the Wild West during the years of the gold and silver rushes in Colorado. Who were these women who provided a certain companionship to the miners and other gentlemen who came here seeking fortune. From their day to day lives to their influence, we’ll talk about the importance of these women and their rightful place in Colorado’s history.

Sponsorship

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