Name: Historic Lecture Series | The Great Plains & Empire in the 8th Century
Start: 2025-10-05T11:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-10-05T12:00:00-06:00
Location: 19192 Hwy 8, Morrison, CO, United States, Colorado 80465

Historic Lecture Series | The Great Plains & Empire in the 8th Century

We look forward to welcoming you to the first historic lecture of the 2025/2026 season!
Sunday lunch lectures are continuing in 2025/2026! Tickets are $35 a person and include a pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, fries and dessert. Lunch lectures run from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with lunch to follow.
The Segesser Paintings:
Painted on buffalo hides in early 18th-century New Mexico, these two unique artworks depict battles on the plains—one identified as the 1720 conflict at the Platte and Loup Rivers. Sent to Switzerland by a Jesuit missionary in 1758 and rediscovered after WWII, they were returned to New Mexico in 1986 thanks in part to Dr. Chávez. Both rare artworks and revealing historical records, they are among the most important artifacts of Southwestern colonial history.
Sunday dinner lectures will be $70 per person and include a prix fixe menu of Spanish chicken and chorizo rice, Santa Fe salad, seasonal vegetables and Crema Catalana for dessert. Dinner lectures run from 6-7 p.m. with dinner to follow.
Spain & the Independence of the U.S.:
This is a history of the founding of the United States that highlights a lesser-known truth: without Spain’s support, the thirteen colonies might not have secured independence from Britain. While France’s role is well recognized, Spain also made vital contributions—through funding, supplies, manpower, and, most critically, diplomatic influence. Spain’s covert assistance and eventual entry into the war helped transform a colonial rebellion into a global conflict, ultimately ensuring victory for the American cause.
Presenter Thomas E. Chávez, Ph.D., is an historian and former Executive Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. He previously led the Palace of the Governors State History Museum in Santa Fe for 21 years. A prolific author, he has published fourteen books, numerous articles, and a monthly column for The Santa Fe New Mexican. He has also consulted for cultural institutions and helped establish an endowment for the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art.
Tickets on sale now!