Travel to the Mythic West with the RIHS
The Rhode Island Historical Society is excited to announce that we will be heading west next October with a fundraising trip to discover America’s Cowboy Country!
Inspired by the 250th celebrations in 2026, we will journey to South Dakota and Wyoming to discover the mythic West, as we spend the year exploring America’s vast history.
Together, we will visit and experience exclusive tours of three National Parks, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: Story of the Bison, and more!
Travelers will be joined by RIHS Executive Director Morgan Grefe, who has spent years studying and writing about America’s West. During the journey, Morgan will share additional historic context and connections for a uniquely immersive experience.
Learn more about the trip by viewing the full itinerary, registering for upcoming programs, or signing up to join us in the UK today! Have immediate questions? Contact Sarah Carr, Senior Director for Advancement & Public Engagement at scarr@rihs.org or 401-331-8575 ext. 135.
Upcoming Promotional Programs
Special Presentation on America’s Cowboy Country Tour with Collette Travel
Tuesday, November 4, 6pm, Aldrich House
Join the Rhode Island Historical Society for an informative presentation from Collette Travel! The RIHS invites members and the public to join us on an 8-day adventure in October 2026 to South Dakota and Wyoming, where we will discover the mythic West as part of our year-long 250th celebrations, commemorating our nation’s vast history. Learn more about the trip and bring any questions you have, which will be answered during the presentation.
VIRTUAL: Award-Winning Author Peter Cozzens on Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Greed in the American West
Monday, November 17 at 7pm, Zoom
Join us as we welcome award-winning author Peter Cozzens to discuss his latest book, Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Green in the American West. Deadwood was not merely a place where outlaws lurked, like Tombstone or Dodge City, but was itself an outlaw enterprise, not part of any U.S. territory or subject to U.S. laws or governance. This gave rise to the gunslinging, stagecoach robbing, whiskey guzzling, rampant prostitution, and gambling Deadwood is known for. But it also bred a self-reliance and a spirit of cooperation unique on the frontier, and made it an exceptionally welcoming place for Black Americans and Chinese immigrants at a time of deep-seated discrimination. Cozzens will share the stories of Deadwood’s legends, including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
COMING SOON — VIRTUAL: Historian and Interim Curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum Paul Andrew Hutton
