Cowboy President: Theodore Roosevelt at the Phippen

Author and historian Michael Blake will recount Theodore Roosevelt’s fascinating experiences at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Phippen Museum.

Theodore Roosevelt’s time spent in the western Dakota Territory helped him recover from an overwhelming personal loss. But more importantly, it transformed him into the man etched onto Mount Rushmore, a hardy individual still rated as one of the top five presidents in American history.

Blake will detail how the land, the people and the Western code of honor had an enormous impact on Roosevelt’s life, transforming the future president into the influential leader for which he is known today.

The presentation is offered free of charge for museum members, and guests with paid general admission.

Recently retired after a 60-year career in the film and television industry, Blake lives in Arizona with his wife, Linda. His two adopted mustangs, Theodore and Dillon, run free at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.

He has written for True West, Round-Up, American Cinematographer, Performing Arts, the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. In 2017, he received the Stirrup Award from Western Writers of America for his article on the making of John Ford’s “The Searchers.”

The Phippen Museum is located at 4701 Highway 89. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the current exhibitions include Cool, Cool Water, on display in the Marley Gallery through July 22, and New

Acquisitions to the Phippen, in the James Gallery through Aug. 12.