Niwot Historical Society: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West life

Niwot Historical Society’s first presentation in the 2018 Lecture Series will feature Buffalo Bill expert, Steve Friesen. Buffalo Bill Cody died 101 years ago but due to his colorful and very public life, his biography still captivates.

“As a small boy I read about Buffalo Bill and thought he was just the coolest guy,” Friesen said. “But I discovered he was in show business and I was a little disappointed to think he was only an actor. I went on to learn he wasn’t an actor, he was the real deal and had an impact on the Wild West and our understanding of Western history.”

Friesen was the director of the Buffalo Bill Museum for 22 years and retired this past October. His first book on the Western icon was a comprehensive life history titled “Buffalo Bill: Scout, Showman, Visionary.”

Currently, he is writing a book about a more niche area of Buffalo Bill’s life - how his travels with his Wild West Show, both nationally and internationally, impacted the spread and development of food and drink. Some of the effects were huge, such as introducing Mexican food to New York City, and bringing the concept of cocktails to European audiences.

Friesen’s knowledge and passion for Buffalo Bill makes him a remarkable lecturer on every aspect of the subject from the American star’s boyhood to his days riding for the Pony Express, from his scouting work, bison hunting career, and eventually to his legacy as an advocate for buffaloes, for the environment, and for Native American Indians. Later, Buffalo Bill turned his real life adventures into a show that entertained and educated the public.

“Buffalo Bill brought the romance of the West to the world and his impact and legacy are deep,” Friesen said.

The lecture will be held at the Left Hand Grange,195 Second Avenue, in Niwot. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., for pre-lecture coffee and conversation. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free to Niwot Historical Society members and non-members pay $5. The Grange hall is handicap accessible.

The Niwot Historical Society’s mission is to preserve, collect, and protect the history of Niwot and the surrounding area. To join the Niwot Historical Society, which is a 501 (c)3 non- profit organization, an individual membership is $15 and families are $25. All donations are tax deductible. For additional information, please visit http://www.NiwotHistoricalSociety.org.