Dr. Stanley Loftness

I discovered the Native American flute in 2010 at Canyon de Chelly, where its haunting sound inspired me to craft my own instruments. As a doctor of medicine, my focus on healing has expanded to embrace music as a pathway to peace and restoration. I create one-of-a-kind Native American–style flutes, blending woodworking skill with a deep respect for their history and spiritual power. Recently, I have turned to the ancestral Puebloan rim-blown flute, whose resonant, unique sound I believe holds great promise as a healing instrument.

Ancestral Native American Flutes

Journey into the world of ancestral music through the story of Native American flutes. We’ll explore the archeology of ancient instruments, from the famed “broken-flute cave” discoveries to the Chaco Canyon flutes, and uncover the legend of Kokopelli—the flute player and fertility god whose image still echoes across the Southwest. Along the way, you’ll learn how these flutes create their haunting sounds, compare rim-blown flutes from around the world, and discover how I craft my own flutes to make them more accessible for today’s players. The program concludes with a live performance, bringing the voices of these ancestral instruments to life once more.

Date & Time: Friday, April 10, 2026 ~ 4:00-5:00 PM

Cost: $15/person

 Please contact mcarrillo@thefort.com or call 303-839-1671 with any questions or to cancel a reservation.

Silas Soule: Colorado's Forgotten Hero

Silas was an abolitionist, a practical joker, an actor, singer, Army recruiter, Civil War soldier, Indian fighter and peacemaker. As a man of conscience with an unwavering moral compass, he argued against the attack of the 3rd Colorado on the Cheyenne and Arapaho at Sand Creek, and would not fire upon them. Was this one of the first times an American soldier refused to follow an illegal order? He later told the truth of what he saw at Sand Creek, testified about it, and was probably killed over it. Though his killer, Charles Squier was captured, he escaped and was never pursued to face justice. How did Charles Squier get away with it?

Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 2026 ~ 4:00-5:00 PM

Cost: $15/person

 Please contact mcarrillo@thefort.com or call 303-839-1671 with any questions or to cancel a reservation.

Philip Feigin

Phil Feigin is a retired lawyer and amateur historian. After earning his undergraduate degree in Wisconsin in 1971 and spending several years acting, singing, and working assorted jobs, he received his JD from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1977. Following early work in private practice, he found his professional calling as a state securities regulator, a career that brought him to Denver in 1982. He later served as Colorado’s Securities Commissioner during the height of the penny stock era, spent a brief period in Washington, D.C., and returned to Denver in 2000 as a securities partner. He retired from private practice in 2018.

Throughout his legal career, Phil nurtured a deep interest in Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and Colorado history—an interest that led him to the short but remarkable life of Captain Silas Stillman Soule of the 1st Colorado Cavalry, a true and largely forgotten Colorado hero.

Ken Wee

Ken Wee is a historian, artist, primitive technologist, experimental and experiential archaeologist.  Earned undergraduate degrees in pre-med, sculpture, painting and drawing and studio arts from Wichita State University and a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Colorado in Boulder.  Long standing educator for Tesoro Cultural Center for 18 years.  Lived full time in canvas shelters for 27 years of which 12  1/2 were in tipis.  Educator in fur trade history, fine arts, karate, archery, primitive weapons, muzzle loading history, safety, hunting and replication; stone age, traditional and modern outdoor living and survival skills. National champion in primitive archery and World Atlatl Open championship winner 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2000, finalist in the American Pie Councils national pie baking champion. Exhibited in national and international juried art competitions and work displayed by various museums and private collections.    

TANNING YOUR HIDE USING YOUR BRAINS

This presentation introduces brain tanning by explaining its purpose, history, and how it compares to other tanning methods. It outlines the process from skinning an animal and understanding hide structure, through fleshing and scraping techniques, to preparing and applying brain solutions or alternatives. It also covers softening the hide through various working methods, followed by smoking to finish it. The presentation concludes with staining, care, preservation, and an overview of the uses and significance of brain-tanned hides.

Date & Time: Friday, June 12, 2026 ~ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cost: $15/person

 Please contact mcarrillo@thefort.com or call 303-839-1671 with any questions or to cancel a reservation.