Step Back in Time with Henry Crawford: Buffalo Hunters, A Hands-On History: Methods, Materials and “Mooar”

Join historian Henry Crawford for an immersive look into the technology and methods of buffalo hunting on the Texas Western Plains in the 1870s. This engaging 90-minute presentation explores camp life, firearms, ammunition, and the intricate process of skinning, meat and hide preparation, and transportation to market. Featuring a mix of digital images and historical artifacts, the program also highlights a remarkable treasure from the Museum of Texas Tech University—the Sharps sporting rifle used by legendary buffalo hunter John Wesley Mooar.

Having presented across Texas, Kansas, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Montana, Crawford brings a wealth of knowledge to Buffalo Gap—where history comes to life in the heart of Texas buffalo country. Don’t miss this chance to experience the frontier like never before!

About Henry B. Crawford

Henry B. Crawford is the former Curator of History at the Museum of Texas Tech University.  He retired in 2016 after 26 years of service. He has an MA in American History and Museum Studies from the University of Wisconsin, and he later studied Western Frontier and Economic History at the doctoral level at Texas Tech University. He holds certificates from the Smithsonian Institution Mid-level Professional Training Program and the Texas Historical Commission Winedale Museum Seminar.

A museum professional for over 44 years, Mr. Crawford has served on boards and committees of the American Alliance of Museums, the Texas Association of Museums, the Mountain-Plains Museums Association, the Texas Living History Association (of which he is a co-founder,) the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums, the Western Writers of America, and other organizations nationwide. In 2019 he was awarded the prestigious Jack Nokes Outstanding Service Award from the Texas Association of Museums.  Mr. Crawford serves on the Board of Trustees of the Silent Wings WWII Museum.  Currently, he is the Model Railroad Curator and Trainmaster at the Science Spectrum Museum, and he is the immediate past president of the Lubbock Model Railroad Association.

Mr. Crawford has participated in living history and reenacting activities for more than 40 years, sharing his expertise through lectures and consulting on living history philosophy, techniques, and research at sites across the U.S.A. He has coordinated public living history events within and away from Texas. Through varied programs and numerous appearances, Mr. Crawford has earned the moniker “The Face of Texas Living History.”  In 2024 he received the Texas Living History Association Founder’s Award, their highest individual honor. He is also proficient in historic American firearms and horsemanship.  

Henry B. Crawford has consulted for various museums and agencies, appearing in television and video productions for the History Channel, Discovery Channel, PBS, the National Park Service, and the Texas Historical Commission. His recent media work includes “Protecting the Plains: The Story of Fort Griffin,” for the Fort Griffin State Historic Site visitor center, and “Packing the West,” a documentary series, both created by Boston Productions, Inc. He continues to advance history education and programming through his own living history and consulting entity, History By Choice.