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October 9, 2025
Tannis Bator strikes a pose while wearing a replica rattlesnake dress and holding a fake rattlesnake in her hand.

GREELEY, Colo. — The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission invites the community to the final History Hour presentation of the year.

Join us at noon on Thursday, October 23, at the Greeley History Museum, 714 8th Street, for a special program on the 100th Anniversary of Rattlesnake Kate.

Local historian and teacher Tannis Bator will bring Kate Slaughterback’s story to life and explain how she became known as Rattlesnake Kate. Augusta "Gus" Rudnick, Assistant Curator of Interpretation, will show how Kate's story spread through news articles and maps. She will also share how Kate shaped her story and left a legacy by donating her famous rattlesnake dress to the City of Greeley Museums.

About the Presenters

Tannis Bator is a retired teacher and librarian from School District 6. She is active in community theater and mentors Young Chautauquans. She has performed living history presentations of both Rattlesnake Kate and Emily Griffith.

Augusta "Gus" Rudnick is a public history professional. She studied at Colorado State University and works at Centennial Village Museum. In April 2024, she received the National Council of Public History's New Professional Award. At the museum, she helps interpret history through crafting and print shop demonstrations. She also works with the 1860s stagecoach.

The presentation is free and open to the public. No reservations are needed.

For more information, contact Betsy Kellums in the Historic Preservation Office at betsy.kellums@greeleygov.com or 970-350-9222.

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