Billy the Kid's Historical Coalition
Welcome to Billy the Kid’s Historical Coalition! We are passionate about preserving and protecting the legacy of Billy the Kid, and our commitment to this mission has never been stronger. The coalition is dedicated to educating the public and advancing research related to Billy the Kid and the historical sites, figures, and documents connected to his life.
As we look ahead, we have exciting plans and are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and partnership. Our previous success was made possible by the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and we are proud of what we accomplished together.
We are renewing our commitment to our mission with even greater determination. We are also dedicated to fostering respectful, professional community engagement that honors the memory and story of Billy the Kid and the historical context of his time.
We invite you to connect with us here on our website or find us on Facebook by searching for Billy the Kid’s Historical Coalition. We believe this new format will help us build stronger relationships within our incredible community, and we are excited about what lies ahead.
Here’s to more preserving history together!
Josh Slatten is the Executive Director of Billy the Kid’s Historical Coalition, where he channels his lifelong passion for Billy the Kid. A prolific researcher and author, Josh has written a bestselling children’s book about Billy the Kid and has contributed to numerous historical magazines, journals, and books. Josh is married and has two adult children. He is also a career police officer. The real love of his life is a French Bulldog named Josie.
Jeremiah Slatten is the board chairman of Billy the Kid’s Historical Coalition, a role that reflects his lifelong dedication to the history of Billy the Kid. He hold numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Texas Arlington. When not immersed in historical research or studies, Jeremiah enjoys time with his best friend, Lucy, his dog. He is also an avid golfer and actively coaches and competes in CrossFit.
James Townsend is a writer and musician from St. Albans, WV. He hosts the popular podcast "Chasing Billy" for the Coalition and has contributed to publications like True West Magazine, The Coalition Press and The Tombstone Epitaph. With a special interest in the genealogy and Billy the Kid's early life, James uses his deep historical knowledge and storytelling skills to offer a fresh perspectives on the past.
Mike Morrison’s interest in Billy the Kid was sparked during his time living in Arizona, where he began reading and conducting research on the legendary outlaw. His passion for history deepened over the years, eventually aligning with his career as a Police Officer and Detective in Amarillo, Texas. Mike’s investigative skills have sharpened his ability to uncover historical truths, fueling his continued dedication to finding new insights about Billy the Kid.
Ben Doss is a writer and historian based in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on the history of Billy the Kid. A graduate of Washington State University, Ben has turned his academic background into a specialized study of the Kid's life and legacy. He has contributed his research and insights to publications such as the Coalition Press, Wild West History Association, and the Tombstone Epitaph. At home, Ben enjoys the company of his two cats, Royal and Kristobal.
Amy Gauthier, a native of Louisiana, is a passionate historian and devoted enthusiast of Billy the Kid. After a successful career as a corporate Spa Director and Personal Development Coach in Utah, she relocated to New Mexico. Her commitment to preserving the region’s rich history led her to purchase and restore the Ellis House. In addition to this project, Amy is actively involved in other historic preservation initiatives. Amy has one adult son, her best friend, Tanner, who resides in Utah.
1. We Preserve History
Much of the history we cherish has fallen into obscurity. We believe that history is only one generation away from being lost forever. Our goal is to document the life and times of Billy the Kid, mark the graves of those associated with him, and identify historical locations so that future generations can access and appreciate the history we love.
2. We Are Not Gatekeepers
Some historians who have documented the life and times of Billy the Kid believed they owned a part of his history. As a result, too much of his story has remained untold or hidden out of fear that someone might steal their research or knowledge. We stand against this. We share all the information we uncover freely, believing that the more people know about his life and story, the more recognition it will receive, and the longer his legacy will endure.
3. We Seek the Truth
We believe that truth is what matters most. We are firmly opposed to dogma and focus on facts, truth, and data. We follow where the evidence leads, regardless of what history has told us or where we would prefer the story to go. We believe that Billy the Kid's history and legacy are rich enough to stand on their own. We simply seek the truth.
4. We Only Serve History
While we honor those who have come before us and those who dedicate their lives to uncovering the truth, legend, and legacy of Billy the Kid, we do not hold any person above the pursuit of truth. We stand against those who have misrepresented, withheld, or controlled access to history related to Billy the Kid. Our goal is not to foster competition, but to actively pursue and defend the truth against anyone who stands in its way.
Copyright © 2023 Billy the Kid's Historical Coalition - a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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