Viewers of films and TV shows might think the dude ranch is something not quite legitimate, a place where city slickers pretend to be cowboys. But the tradition of the dude ranch, America’s original western vacation, is much more interesting, and is deeply connected to the culture and history of the American West.

Historian Lynn Downey tells this story in her new book, American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West, and she will share it with you in her illustrated talk. She follows dude ranching across the years, tracing its influence on everything from clothing to cooking, and offering a rare look at women’s place in the story. She will also tell a few California dude ranch tales.

Copies of American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West will be available for purchase and Lynn Downey will be happy to sign any purchased copies.