In a captivating exploration of Park City’s mining past, the Park City Museum is set to host a free lecture titled "Who Was Lady Morgan? The Life and Times of Philip Morgan" presented by historian Michael O’Malley. Scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, at the museum’s Education and Collections Center located at 2079 Sidewinder Drive, the lecture promises to shed light on the enigmatic figure behind the Lady Morgan name associated with both the popular lift and bowl at Deer Valley Resort. Michael O’Malley, who has a rich background as a ski guide and mining historian, became intrigued by the query surrounding Lady Morgan while serving as a mountain host at Deer Valley. Visitors frequently inquired about the namesake of the Lady Morgan Lift and Bowl, prompting O’Malley to delve deeper into the historical context. "I thought I should dig into this and find out who she might have been, and in the course of delving into that question, I learned about this miner — Philip Morgan and his life and times," O’Malley explained. Philip Morgan, a Welsh miner who arrived in the area in the late 19th century, acquired 15 mining claims in 1878, including one specifically named Lady Morgan. O’Malley noted, "One of those claims was Lady Morgan, and that particular claim was filed in August of 1878. Philip had other claims in that area — including the Abby, Cora, and Lizarina, to name a few — known collectively as the Morgan Claims." These claims were adjacent to the highly profitable Daly West mine, owned by notable mining magnate John Daly. The proximity fueled local speculation that the ore from Daly West had extended into the Morgan Claims, raising hopes that they could yield similar fortunes. "So everyone in town thought the ore had run into the Morgan Claims and that that was going to be the next big thing," O’Malley said, emphasizing the community's optimistic outlook at the time. One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming lecture is the question of whether an actual Lady Morgan ever existed. O’Malley plans to explore various hypotheses during the presentation, including one proposed by Karl Lund, a former Deer Valley ski instructor. Lund suggested that Sydney Owenson, an Irish novelist who became Lady Morgan upon marrying Sir Thomas Charles Morgan in 1812, might be linked to Philip Morgan. O’Malley stated, "This is one of four different hypotheses we’ll discuss during the lecture." The other theories to be examined range from possibilities involving Philip Morgan's mother and sister to speculations about his wife, Fidella “Dell” Roark, and even local women who may have played a role in his life. O’Malley, acknowledging the speculative nature of his research, said, "My research has come up dry, so I can’t prove or disprove any of them, but I’m going to ask for a show of hands from the audience to see which hypothesis wins out." In addition to uncovering the potential identity of Lady Morgan, the lecture will also reveal some surprising findings from O’Malley’s research into Philip Morgan's life. O’Malley described Morgan as a secondary character in Park City's mining history, despite his connections to prominent figures like John Daly and R.C. Chambers. "He was not as influential as John Daly or R.C. Chambers, mainly because the Morgan Claims did not fulfill everyone’s hopes of becoming the next Daly West or Ontario," he explained. O’Malley also touched on what he describes as the “Square-dance Effect” that characterized the relationships among mining developers. He elaborated, "All of these mining developers would enter into agreements and maybe start new mining companies, only to sue each other a year later. Then three years later, with a different cast of characters, they would all form new companies and then sue each other another two years later." This legal back-and-forth was exacerbated by the Panic of 1893, a national financial crisis that heavily impacted Park City. As a passionate historian, O’Malley enjoys sharing his findings with the public through lectures at the museum. "We have a great and knowledgeable audience. For the most part, it’s people who have lived here for years, but we do get a few newcomers. So, I look at these talks as an opportunity for me to learn more because the comments that come up represent a high level of knowledge of Park City history," he remarked. In addition to his lectures and ski tours with the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, O’Malley is also the author of "Attitude at Altitude: The People’s Guide to Park City and Summit County." His book is available at various local establishments, including the Park City Museum’s gift shop. The upcoming lecture represents a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors interested in deepening their understanding of Park City’s mining heritage. With O’Malley’s engaging storytelling and keen historical insight, attendees can look forward to an informative and thought-provoking evening. Details of the Lecture: - When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 7 - Where: Park City Museum’s Education and Collections Center, 2079 Sidewinder Drive - Cost: Free - More information: Visit http://www.parkcityhistory.org for further details.