April 2021 • Nebraskaland 37
The Face of
Buffalo Bill
By Renae Blum
Bruce Richman is a man in demand. He has portrayed
William F. "Buff alo Bill" Cody everywhere from Omaha to
Scottsbluff for the past 20 years, appearing at parades, state
fairs, rodeos, schools, conferences and even birthday parties.
He's also the face of Buff alo Bill Cody to visitors at Buff alo
Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte, which
showcases the ranch house and barn that Cody built for his
home during the heyday of his famous Wild West Show.
During special events, Richman meets visitors at the door,
dressed for the part, and shares stories about the famed
showman. He also describes what visitors will be seeing
during their tour and asks them to keep an eye out for several
interesting items.
"That makes them look at things a little closer, and that
way their experience will be much more rewarding," he said.
Richman has meticulously assembled historically accurate
clothing, including a $980 handmade vest and handmade
$600 boots, and learned beadwork so he could embellish his
outfi ts. Why all the eff ort? The costume "tells the story in
itself," Richman said.
He enjoys getting to meet visitors from around the world.
They've heard about the legend of Buff alo Bill, like Richman
did growing up, and are curious about where he lived,
Richman said.
"So when I'm there, it makes it a little bit extra special for
them," he said.
N
"Scout's Rest Ranch, with its majestic
barn, mansion, hundreds of artifacts
and photographs, live buffalo corral and
manicured grounds, can be viewed today with
a true feeling of importance," Richman wrote.
"From here in Nebraska, Cody became the
most famous man in the world. The park is a
genuine gem here on the plains of Nebraska."
What you should know about
Buffalo Bill Ranch State
Historical Park
A Volunteer Profi le
