Presented by Lynne McKee, Benton County Fairgrounds Manager

Cowgirls appeared on the American frontier in the mid-1800's.  In an era when women were expected to act ladylike, sew, serve tea in the parlor, and care for her husband and family, these determined and spirited female pioneers lived on the fringes of society working stock alongside the cowboys.  Lynne McKee will present stories and images of the early cowgirls of the American West who worked on ranches, performed in Wild West shows and competed in rodeos, while discussing their impact on re-defining gender roles.

About the Speaker:

Lynne McKee received a B.A. in Anthropology from UC Davis and a MA degree in Museum Studies at San Francisco State University.  She has been involved with archaeological digs throughout California, as well as traveling to the Middle East to study Egyptology.  She has worked for a variety of museums including the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's historic home in Virginia.  She also worked for eight years as the FBI's Art Theft Program Manager, and was involved in numerous investigations recovering stolen antiquities.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp