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Please join us on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM for our last chapter meeting before the summer break. We are excited to welcome back to the podium Lee Silliman who will be presenting his illustrated talk, Old Ephraim: The Grizzly Bear in Frontier History. Lee’s talk will vividly sketch, using vintage imagery and anecdote, the story of the North American grizzly bear on the western frontier. The lecture begins with a discussion of how Native Americans related to the great bear, a creature they venerated for its many human-like traits. Lee will then relate how the bear’s early encounters with Euro-Americans—especially the Lewis and Clark corps—did not progress as planned due to the unexpected vitality and ferocity of Ursus horribilis. Next is a chapter on the California grizzly, which played a special role in that state’s history. The talk continues with humorous grizzly bear encounters and interesting bear curiosities. The true story of nineteenth century James Capen “Grizzly” Adams will also be told, followed by the last grim chapter of man’s decimation of this iconic species. Books telling the history of the grizzly bear from Silliman’s collection will be on display for inspection, and a bibliography sheet will be available.
Lee Silliman, a retired educator and former museum archivist now living in Missoula, Montana, has nurtured an avid interest in the art and history of the American West since his youth. As a collector of vintage engravings, Silliman has assembled and annotated many exhibits of these artworks for museums in six western states, including five specifically relating to western wildlife. His has taught five history courses for the MOLLI program at the University of Montana on western history and art.
The meeting will be held in Room 110 in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building (ISB) on the University of Montana campus. The building lies on the south end of campus on Beckwith Avenue between Maurice and Mansfield avenues. You also have the option of watching the meeting over Zoom, a link will be posted as soon as available.
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Event Venue
University of Montana, 1060 Mansfield Ave, Missoula, MT 59812, United States
Tickets
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