The Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail lecture given by Marcos Van Dalen

Park City Museum will host a lecture called The Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail given by Marcos Van Dalen on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 5-6 p.m. held at the Education and Collections Center located at 2079 Sidewinder Drive. More information can be found at www.parkcityhistory.org.

Come learn about the important but often overlooked or misunderstood history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their specific connection to Utah’s cultural heritage. Their story, which begins shortly after the Civil War, is one of resilience and lasting contribution, woven directly into the fabric of the country’s westward expansion and Utah’s unique history. Recently the State Historic Preservation Office, Sema Hadithi African American Heritage & Culture Foundation, and several other stakeholders worked together to develop the Utah Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail.

In this presentation we will discuss the research, challenges, volunteer involvement, and trail locations associated with the Buffalo Soldiers and their time spent in Utah. This specific project transforms extensive research into accessible educational resources, including interpretive signage and a comprehensive website and ongoing research. Our ultimate goal is for this Utah heritage trail to provide travelers with a unique opportunity to experience history in the exact places where it happened, fostering a richer understanding and appreciation for the people who helped shape the state. The State Historic Preservation office will also be providing free copies of the Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail booklet, there will be an opportunity to experience actual artifacts and other lesser-known artifacts like photographs and documents connected to this story.

Marcos Van Dalen is the History Researcher for the Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), where he has worked for the past year and a half. In this role, he leads historical research for the Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail and contributes to multiple public history initiatives, including ongoing work documenting the mining history of the Tintic Mining District. He is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah pursuing degrees in History and Asian Studies with a regional focus on China. He is also an active duty U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant with eight years of service, currently pursuing a commission through the University of Utah NROTC program.