The Frisco Historic Park and Museum 35th Anniversary – History!

The Frisco Historic Park and Museum celebrates its 35th Anniversary with a summer filled with events and lectures on local and area History!

I know what your thinking, history…BORING! But I encourage you to think about this, no roads, no electricity, freezing cold weather.. should we say more? The Native Americans and the folks who pioneered Colorado’s mountain towns were total BAD Asses! The Frisco Historic Park is hosting 20 history oriented events from May through August with the May 11^thNight at the Museum event kicking off the Frisco Museum’s 35^th anniversary celebrations. The popular Lunchtime Lecture Series returns, as well as historic walking and hiking tours, two after-hours open houses and Founder’s Day.

In order to bring greater context and meaning to the museum, a tipi will be constructed at the Frisco Historic Park in May. The Schoolhouse Museum and Historic Park buildings collectively reflect various styles of pioneer architecture common in Colorado mining towns, and the only historic structure authentic to Frisco’s history and not represented in the park is a Ute Tribal structure. Ute primarily utilized wiki-ups, but began using tipis more often starting in the mid-1880s. The tipi will be located on the southwest corner of the historic park, and the public will have access to the interior of the tipi, which will also house interpretive signage and seating from May-October going forward.

“It is exciting to be able to add a new structure, a tipi, to the Frisco Historic Park. Our intention is for this structure to open up a conversation about the Ute’s 5,000 year history in this area,” stated Simone Belz, Frisco Museum Director. We think that is pretty darn cool and highly suggest checking out one or more of these planned events while you’re in Summit County, Colorado. A list of historical events follows:

Frisco Historic Park and Museum 2018 Spring/Summer Event Calendar:

Friday, May 11, Night at the Museum from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
This annual after-hours open house is an invitation for the community to celebrate Colorado’s Preservation Month and the Frisco Historic Park and Museum’s 35^th Anniversary. Guests will have the chance to tour the Historic Park buildings after-hours. There will also be an open bar, light refreshments, tours and live music by Larry Lacerte.

Wednesday, June 6, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- “I Am Not a Savage” at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

After the defeat of the Lakota (Sioux) and their placement on reservations, the United States government began efforts to eliminate the Lakota culture. Performing with Wild West shows became a way for the Lakota to preserve and promote their culture. Steve Freisen will cover the impact of the performances upon Europeans and their understanding of the American West. Since June 6 is the anniversary of D-Day, the lecture will touch on the Lakota in Europe during World War II.

Wednesday, June 13, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Haulin’ Ass! – Running with Burros at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Pack burro racing is the only sport indigenous to Colorado. Participants are invited to a presentation by Brad Wann on the history of one of the highest altitude races in the world, as well as the stories of racing legends. Pack burro racing has captured the attention of filmmakers, reality shows and athletes from ages 9 to their mid-70’s. This will be a chance to discover why people are drawn to do this crazy sport, and there will also be an opportunity to meet a burro.

Saturday, June 16, Free Bill’s Ranch Walking Tour from 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Museum staff will lead a historic tour of Frisco’s Bill’s Ranch community. Participants will discover how this unique residential area originated, learn the connection to Frisco’s survival and explore original pioneer cabins from the early 20th century. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Dogs are prohibited on this walking tour. Participants are asked to call 970-668-3428 to reserve a space.

Wednesday, June 20, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Riding the Rails of Kokomo at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Participants are invited to take a look at the life and times of the North Ten Mile Canyon town of Kokomo, via photographs and tales. Bob Schoppe will present the history of this mining town formerly located between Copper Mountain Ski Resort and the Town of Leadville.

Wednesday, June 27, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Matchless: The Mine, The Myth, The Legend at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

A bonanza silver mine of the 1880s, the Matchless Mine has remained a historic landmark of the boom/bust days that put Leadville on the map. Often overshadowed by the scandalous Tabor family, this lecture will discuss the geology of the area, how the Matchless was discovered and how it operated until it closed. The presentation by Stephanie Johnson will feature photos of artifacts from the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum exhibition and will show how the mine site has changed over the years.

Friday, June 29, Free Historic Tour of Frisco at 10:00 am

Participants are invited to meet at the Schoolhouse Museum at 120 Main Street for a talk and walk back in time to discover the history of Frisco’s Main Street. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. No reservations required.

Saturday, June 30, Outer Range Brewing Co. Can Release Party and Ute History/Storytelling starting at 12:00 pm at Outer Range Brewing Co.

Outer Range Brewing Co. will donate 10% of the proceeds from their can release party at 12:00 pm to a non-profit that supports Native American interests in Colorado. At 6:00 pm, members of the Ute Tribe will talk about the history of the Ute in the Frisco area and do some storytelling.

Sunday, July 1, Frisco Founder’s Day – Get Your Hands on History! from 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Guests are invited to experience Frisco’s heritage at the Frisco Historic Park & Museum and to celebrate Frisco’s history. This event features gold panning, burro rides, costumed reenactments, interpretive tours, refreshments, live music and entertainment at the Historic Park gazebo.

The Museum will also use this day to celebrate their 35^th anniversary with a tipi dedication honoring the 5,000 year history of the Ute Tribe in the Frisco area. Representatives from the Ute Tribe will lead a tipi ceremony, do some storytelling and perform a drum circle.

Wednesday, July 11, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Avalanches and the Narrow Gauge Railroad: Frisco to Copper at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Guests will learn about the challenges faced by the Colorado & Southern narrow gauge railroad during winter months in the Ten Mile Canyon between Frisco and Climax. Presenter, Tom Klinger, will explain how rotary trains and “snowbirds” joined forces to battle through extraordinary snow conditions.

Sunday, July 14, Free Masontown Hiking Tour from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Museum staff will lead a free historic tour of the former mining camp of Masontown, located halfway up Mount Royal. Participants will learn about the history of the area and mining, while exploring this former community. This is a moderate hike of approximately 2 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet. Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes and layers, and be prepared for a variety of trail and weather conditions. Dogs are prohibited on this hiking tour. Participants are asked to call 970-668-3428 to reserve a space.

Wednesday, July 18, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Mountain Rescues of Summit County at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel
For 45 years, Summit County Rescue Group volunteers have been responding to calls for help in the backcountry. Guests will learn about the Group’s history from Glen Kraatz and hear captivating tales of search and rescue missions spanning nearly half a century of service.

Friday, July 20, Free Historic Tour of Frisco at 10:00 am

Wednesday, July 25, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Bear Aware! at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Black bears share this beautiful place that we call home. Guests are invited to come meet local District Wildlife Manager, Elissa Slezak, and learn about co-existing with this fascinating species of Colorado.

Wednesday, August 1, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Vail Pass: Balancing Transportation Needs with Environmental Concerns at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Vail Pass is a nationally significant interstate highway segment because it was constructed to preserve the inherent scenic qualities of the surrounding mountainous setting. Lauren Cooper will cover the history of this

I-70 pass and its importance to the state of Colorado. Participants will learn about the unique environmentally-sensitive design developed for Vail Pass and how it is maintained to this day.

Wednesday, August 8, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Rocky’s Westside Story at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Presenter, Dave Lively, will tell stories of human nature encountering Mother Nature in what is now the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This lecture will connect the common threads of survival and success over the past 11,000 years in a high isolated mountain valley. The ebb and flow of passing cultures has influenced life today in this unique alpine corner of our nation.

Wednesday, August 15, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- The Great Flume at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Local author and historian, Bill Fountain, will unveil the story of the first mega gold mining operation in the greater Breckenridge mining district, located in the upper Swan River Valley. Guests are invited to follow this historic and photographic story of the Fuller Placer Mining Company and the incredible engineering feat of building and operating a gigantic water flume designed to aid in the area’s extensive hydraulic mining operations.

Friday, August 17, Night at the Museum – Meet the Author from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm

Guests are invited to experience a splendid summer evening at the Museum after-hours with renowned author Dr. Colorado (Tom Noel) and his sidekick Mark Twain (Hugh Bingham) for a look into Colorado’s emergence as the state, which produces the most beer of all. This will be a chance to learn about Colorado- “The Beeriest State”. With two major national breweries and more than 300 craft breweries and brew pubs, Colorado is floating in suds. The lecture will start at 5:30 pm in the Log Chapel, followed by a reception and book signing in the Schoolhouse Museum with an open bar, light refreshments, live music and beer sponsored by Outer Range Brewing Co.

Wednesday, August 22, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Climax Mine – Celebrating 100 Years at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

In the spring of 1918, the first concentrate from the Climax Molybdenum Company was shipped from Fremont Pass headed east to make steel stronger, lighter, tougher and more corrosion resistant. Presenter, Mike Kendrick, will present the case that 100 years later Climax Molybdenum’s values of operating safely, protecting the environment and supporting customers and stakeholders still follows the same path the mine’s forefathers set, to provide materials that make the world a much better place to live.

Wednesday, August 29, Free Lunchtime Lecture Series- Dillon, Denver and the Dam at 12:00 pm in the Log Chapel

Local author and historian, Dr. Sandie Mather, will share the fascinating history behind the Dillon Reservoir project, and the feats of engineering accomplished to build this structure in the 1960s.

~MTN Town Magazine

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