Walker Ranch frontier lecture April 30

The Niwot Historical Society will host a lecture titled "Walker Ranch: Where Colorado's Frontier Lives On" at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 30 at Niwot Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments and socializing. The guest speaker, Laurie Bedford, is a volunteer with Boulder County Parks & Open Space's Cultural and Heritage Programs.

Bedford has volunteered for three years with Boulder County's Cultural and Heritage Programs, where she participates in living history demonstrations and public education at Walker Ranch Homestead and other historic sites. In her lecture, she will explain how local history is preserved and shared at these sites today. This includes an inside look at volunteer-led programs such as historical reenactments, homesteading demonstrations, and guided tours.

Walker Ranch, located about 7.5 miles west of Boulder, Colorado, is a historic site and open space area spanning over 2,000 acres. Originally homesteaded in 1882 by James and Phoebe Walker, it grew into one of the region's largest cattle ranches. Boulder County began acquiring the land in 1977 to protect it from development, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, it features preserved historic buildings, trails, and educational events, offering a glimpse into 19th-century ranch life.

Bedford's background includes caretaking animals at the Agricultural Heritage Center and leading interpretive programs that highlight daily life on the Colorado frontier. She is expected to share stories from her experiences, including the types of tools and household items used in the late 1800s, how early homesteaders cooked, worked, and lived, and how volunteers today bring those stories to life for modern audiences.

The lecture ties into the Niwot Historical Society's effort to promote the 2025 Heritage Days at Walker Ranch, scheduled for June 1, July 20, and October 5. These events feature hands-on demonstrations and give visitors a chance to engage with local history directly.

The presentation is expected to last about 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. While suitable for general audiences, the content is best suited for attendees age 10 and older due to its educational format. Admission is $5 but is free for Niwot Historical Society members.