Historic Lecture Series

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 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.

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

2024 Lineup

June 19, 2024, 12:00pm at the Historic Park Log Chapel

Laws, Policies, and Practices: Juneteenth, Presented by Terri Gentry, Engagement Manager for Black Communities with History Colorado

Join us for an insightful and educational talk by Terri Gentry, the Engagement Manager for Black Communities with History Colorado. Terri will share the Laws, Policies, and Practices leading up to Juneteenth, the event on June 19, 1865, and the Laws, Policies, and Practices since then to the present day. She will share experiences and challenges that we continue to face as we pursue freedom, liberty, and equality and exercise our rights as citizens.

June 26, 2024, 12:00pm at the Old Frisco Community Center on 3rd and Granite Street

Mining History, Presented by Bob Calder from the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, CO

Mining is central to Frisco’s history and the driving force behind establishing Summit County. Bob Calder will share the history of mining in the Rocky Mountains and his own experiences as a miner in Lake County, Colorado. Bob is a long-time employee of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, Colorado taking care of the historic mining structures.

July 3, 2024, 12:00pm at the Historic Park Gazebo

Cuentos-Stories from the Hispanic Southwest, Presented by Angel Vigil from History Colorado

Cuentos, Stories From the Homeland, is an engaging and illuminating journey into the Latino soul as expressed in traditional and modern stories. The show features fascinating tales from Angel’s vast repertoire of stories. The show includes morality tales explaining the lesson of right and wrong, instructive animal fables, chistes, short comics tales guaranteed to amuse, and amazing tales of wonder, transformation and magic.

July 10, 2024, 12:00pm at the Historic Park Gazebo

Seasons of the Nuuche, Presented by 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 17, 2024, 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 and be prepared to be serenaded!

July 24, 2024, 12:00pm at the Old Frisco Community Center at 3rd and Granite Street

Climate Conundrum: Adapt or Migrate, Presented by Professor James “Skip” Spensley

Skip is a previous attendee of the summer lecture series and wanted to bring his expertise and research to share this summer with the Climate Conundrum. He will cover a short history of the climate issue, an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change update on the science, the projected global impacts, some steps to adapt to climate change consequences, and the options to mitigate its effects.  A short description of the politics surrounding this issue will also be identified.

July 31, 2024, 12:00pm at the Historic Park Gazebo

Falcontry: Then & Now, Presented by the Raptor Education Foundation

This program focuses on the ancient cultural practice of falconry and is presented by one of the few women master falconers in the world, Anne Price. Meet four birds used in falconry in historic and contemporary times; learn about their training, their use, the legal aspects of falconry, and the cultural components of this 5,000-year-old sport, including the history of falconry in Russia and the ex-Soviet republics. This is a great show for all ages but seating under the Gazebo is limited and first come, first serve. Camp chairs are encouraged!

August 7, 2024, 12:00pm at the Historic Park Gazebo

Burro Pack Racing and the 10th Mountain Division, Presented by Brad and Amber Wann

Pack Burro Racing is the only sport native to Colorado. Learn about the history of one of the highest altitude races in the world, as well as the stories of racing legends. This year, we will also dive into how burros were used at Camp Hale for the 10^th Mountain Division. Discover why people are drawn to this crazy sport and meet a burro!

August 14, 2024, 12:00pm at the Old Frisco Community Center at 3rd and Granite Street

Colorado Railroad, Presented by David Erickson from the Colorado Railroad Museum

In 1869 the transcontinental railroad largely bypassed Colorado going instead through Cheyenne Wyoming. Colorado’s second territorial governor, John Evans, realized that “Colorado without railroads is comparatively worthless.”  During this presentation, we will learn about the visionary efforts of folks who conceived of and made railroads in Colorado a reality.

August 21, 2024, 12:00pm at the Historic Park Gazebo

Women of Camp Hale, Presented by Dr. Chris Juergens from History Colorado

In late 1942, the Army opened its first ever winter warfare training center in the Rocky Mountains to prepare the 10th Mountain Division for war. Among the nearly 15,000 residents of Camp Hale were hundreds of women who had volunteered for military service – and were essential to running this new facility. Learn more about this unique camp and the woman who lived and worked there during World War II. 

Sponsorship

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