Women’s Forgotten Role in the American Fur Trade Zoom Lecture given by Kris Swanson

Park City Museum will host a Zoom Lecture given by Kris Swanson called Women’s Forgotten Role in the American Fur Trade on Thursday, September 17^th from 5-6 p.m.  Please register for the Zoom lecture by contacting education@parkcityhistory.org.

The many ways American Indian women contributed to the success of the North American fur trade are often overlooked and forgotten. We will explore the numerous ways women insured the success of trappers and traders, helping to open the continent for European settlement.

Known as The Sharp Knife Woman, Kris Swanson is a Living Historian who spends her days interacting with the public at museums, historic sites and cultural events, teaching them about Plains Indian history and lifestyle.  She does public presentations and displays, sets and costumes for films, and works with Western artists.  Her reputation as an artist has been earned over many years making and using authentic and fully functional objects.  She has spent 24 years living in her tipi in the mountains, attended hundreds of private and public living history events, and has developed a wide following.

As one of the only women living historians, her interpretation from a woman’s perspective is insightful and balanced.  Kris holds BAs in History and Communication and an MA in Communication.  She has dedicated her life to learning about Plains Indians during the 19th century.  Kris’ goal is to represent accurately the lifestyle Plains Indians lived during the 1800s through displays, presentations, and hands on learning.  Kris has written a book called Portraits of Women in the American Fur Trade and it is the first book to focus on the significant impact Indian women played in the success of trading forts and activities in the Western US well into the 1870s. The book gives readers a clear overview of the role of Indian women in the fur trade, beginning with the formation of Hudson Bay Company in 1670, until the decline of the buffalo robe trade on the Plains.

If you have any questions, please contact Diane at education@parkcityhistory.org.