At December's History Talks event, author Bill Markley explores the life of Jim Bridger, one of America’s most legendary mountain men, fur traders, scouts, and guides. Known for his wilderness adventures and exploration of the American West, Bridger’s story also connects to the early history of the Upper Missouri River region and South Dakota.

Markley's book, The Life and Times of Jim Bridger, recently won silver at the Will Rogers Medallion Award in the category of Western Biographies/Memoirs.

Markley will be available to sign books after the event at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Register at www.sdhsf.org/events to attend in-person or on Zoom. 

The Life and Times of Jim Bridger
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
In-person - Cultural Heritage Center | 900 Governors Dr | Pierre, SD
or via Zoom from the comfort of your home

Enjoy a previous article we published on The Legendary Hugh Glass and Jim Bridger. 

History Talks is a South Dakota Historical Society Press & South Dakota Historical Society Foundation monthly speakers series. Established in 1997, the South Dakota Historical Society Press is an American book publishing company based in Pierre, South Dakota, that preserves and promotes the history and culture of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains. The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization established in 1982 to serve as the primary fundraising arm for the South Dakota State Historical Society. Find us on the web at www.sdhsf.org.