2025 Heritage Lecture Series: The Legacy of Will James

On Thursday, October 9, Sharon DeCarlo from the Will James Society will speak on “The Legacy of Will James: Cowboy, Artist and Author.” Will James (1892–1942) was a cowboy, artist, and author best known for his vivid depictions of the American West. Born Joseph Ernest Nephtali Dufault in Quebec, Canada, he later adopted the name Will James after moving to the U.S. and immersing himself in cowboy life. He worked as a ranch hand across the American West, gaining firsthand experience that deeply influenced his writing and art.

James gained fame with his 1926 book Smoky the Cowhorse, which won the Newbery Medal and remains a classic of Western literature. He wrote and illustrated over 20 books, blending gritty realism with romanticism. His dynamic drawings and storytelling captured the spirit of the cowboy era, preserving it for future generations.

Despite a troubled personal life and a hidden past, Will James left a lasting legacy as one of the most authentic voices of the Western frontier.

Doors Open at 6:00pm; Lecture Begins at 6:30pm. This event will take place at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center.

Tickets are $5.00 at the door, with Alpine, Dayton, Smith Valley and Douglas County Historical Society Members Free! For more information visit the DCHS website or call 775-782-2555, and be sure to check out their Facebook page for other news and updates.

The DCHS Heritage Lecture Series is sponsored in part by: Dennis R Little Trust.