Annie Oakley presentation set for Sept. 1

When Annie Oakley was in the prime of her entertaining career, she was making more money than anyone else in the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, except for Buffalo Bill himself.

Performing in Europe before royalty and other heads of state, audiences were astounded to see her shooting out a cigar from her husband's lips or splitting a playing-card edge-on at 30 paces.

Born Phoebe Ann Mosey in 1860, she won a shooting contest at age 15, against experienced marksman Frank E. Butler. They later married and became a fascinating part of American history as they crossed paths with Chief Sitting Bull and newspaper publisher Randolf Hearst.

The story of Annie Oakley is the subject of a living presentation by Cheryl Heser of Forsyth, being held Thursday, Sept. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mineral County Library in Superior.

After teaching English, Spanish, Journalism and Library in Rosebud County Montana, Heser became the Director of Rosebud County Library for 17 years. She won a Media Award from the Montana Library Association for a radio program called Library Connections and was the 2014 Librarian of the Year.

She performed living history throughout the Big Sky Country as Dolly Madison and now shares Annie Oakley with school and community groups. After through research, Heser enacts a presentation for student in school and Summer Reading Programs as well as adults with an interest in authentic American history.

All ages 10 and above have been responding to the program which includes Annie Oakley’s inspiring views on strong women and the development of skills and expertise.

The 30-minute performance is always free and questions are welcome and encourages following the program.