SILVER CITY: Billy the Kid will be the subject of the next Unpacking Silver City talk series at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 12 at the Silver City Museum.

American history professor, educational consultant and author Jim Smith will present “The West in Popular Culture: Silver City and the Legend of Billy the Kid,” an investigation into how stories about Billy the Kid have changed in the world. over time and how the Legend of the Kid fits in. in the larger context of how the West is portrayed in popular culture.

To register and participate, go to www.silvercitymuseum.org, click on https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XhJdr6tFTh6YhGrqVgeBSQ, or start the Zoom video conferencing program and use the meeting ID 863 5555 4011.

The subject of legend and myth, Billy the Kid is one of the best-known figures of the American West. In stories that span the spectrum from light entertainment to serious art, the Kid has been portrayed as a violent punk and a champion of the underdog, a rebellious youth and a populist hero, a dark-hearted soul and a tragic young boy who went wrong after the death of his mother.

The presentation will also explore the role Silver City played as a city forever linked to Billy the Kid and his enduring legend. Examining questions about Silver City during Billy the Kid’s years in the city (1873-1875), the presentation will attempt to recreate Silver City’s early years as a mining camp.

Smith is the author of four books, including a US history textbook titled “Ideas That Shape A Nation” and a novel about Billy the Kid titled “Catherine’s Son”, a book which was shortlisted for the New Mexico-Arizona Books Award for best historical fiction. Smith was recognized as New Mexico’s Teacher of the Year and a National Teachers Hall of Fame finalist.

All Unpacking Silver City presentations will be 30-45 minutes long, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session and a discussion where the audience is encouraged to contribute their questions and perspectives.

The information gathered in this series, including public discussions, will be part of the Silver City Museum’s ambitious future exhibit, Silver City 101, which will provide guests and residents with an introduction to local history. The exhibition will include physical objects and on-site exhibits, as well as a large digital component that will be accessible online.

For information, contact the museum at 575-538 5921, [email protected] or www.silvercitymuseum.org.