Fact or Fiction: Bass Reeves with U.S. Marshals Museum

History is hard. Facts, fiction, and folklore conspire against you. The effects of time, legend, and internet memes have led to several stories surrounding Bass Reeves – each with various levels of accuracy.

Presented in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Museum in Ft. Smith, join Curator of Collections and Exhibits Dave Kennedy and Director of Research, Fellowships & University Partnerships and Curator, American Art Mindy Besaw for an evening of “fact vs. fiction” on the representation of Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves in the historical record and popular culture.

From his birth to his death, many accounts have been written about the life of Bass Reeves. Many of these, especially those told from family memory, have elements of truth hidden among unintentional falsehoods. Over the years, the career of Bass Reeves has become the stuff of legend. But the true story of one of America’s most prolific law enforcement officers is incredible in itself, even without the myths or exaggerations.

Tickets are $25 ($20 for members), reserve your spot online or with Guest Experience at (479) 657-2335 today.
Ticket includes one specialty cocktail. Must be age 21+ to consume alcohol.

David Kennedy

David Kennedy is the Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mr. Kennedy has spent most of his adult life studying and working with the History of the American West and Firearms in a museum environment. He believes that museums are a great educational equalizer and that the strength of museums lies in the collections they hold and protect. Holding two degrees in History, he has presented often on the subjects of museums, historic firearms, the American West, and the United States Marshals. He previously worked in similar positions at the Oklahoma Historical Society and at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where he authored Guns of the Wild West: A Photographic Tour of the Guns that Shaped Our Country’s History.

Mindy Besaw

Mindy Besaw, PhD, is the director of Research, Fellowships, and University Partnerships and curator of American Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Prior to this post, Besaw was curator of art at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.