Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library |
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| The library in Five Points, Denver. | |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Public library and research library |
| Established | 2003 |
| Location | 2401 Welton Street Denver CO 80205 |
| Coordinates | 39°45′09″N 104°58′53″W / 39.7524°N 104.9815°W |
| Branch of | Denver Public Library |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | All formats |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | Five Points neighborhood |
| Phone number | (720) 865-2401 |
The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is a special part of the Denver Public Library system. It opened in 2003 in Denver, Colorado. This library serves the Five Points neighborhood. It's also a research library. It collects stories and facts about African Americans in Denver and the American West.
Over 135,000 people visit the library each year. Many school groups come to see the museum on the third floor. The library's main goal is to "collect and preserve the history and culture of African Americans in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain West."
How the Library Started
A Vision for African American History
The idea for this library came from Wellington Webb and his wife, Wilma Webb. Wellington Webb was Denver's first African American mayor. In 1999, they noticed that the history of African Americans in Denver and the American West wasn't well-known.
They wanted to create a place. This place would help people, especially young African Americans. It would teach them about their history in the West.
Choosing the Location
The Five Points neighborhood was chosen for the library. This area in Denver has a rich and diverse history. It is also home to the Black American West Museum.
Construction began in early 2002. The library officially opened its doors on April 26, 2003. As of 2017, it was one of only four African American research libraries in the entire country.
Saving Important Stories
Wellington and Wilma Webb worried about losing history. Many stories and contributions of African Americans were not written down. They were often kept in private homes.
During Webb's third term as mayor, they started working on their vision. They wanted a collection showing the African American experience in the West. Webb said, "There’s so much history, and we need to capture that for young people."
In 2000, Denver library staff began collecting items. They gathered personal papers, photos, and art. These items came from important African Americans. Donations arrived from all over Colorado. Mayor Webb even gave many items from his own collection.
Honoring Community Leaders
The library was named the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. This name honors two important African American leaders in Denver. They were Omar Blair and Elvin Caldwell.
Omar Blair: A Pioneer in Education
Omar Blair was a brave officer in World War II. He was one of the famous Tuskegee Airman. In 1973, he became the first black president of the Denver school board. His most remembered achievement was helping to desegregate Denver’s schools. This means he helped make sure schools were fair for all students.
Elvin Caldwell: A Champion for Change
Elvin Caldwell made history in 1955. He was elected Denver’s first black city council member. This made him the first African American city council member west of the Mississippi River. He served on the Denver city council for 28 years. He even spent five years as president.
Elvin Caldwell fought against unfair treatment. He worked to end discrimination in the police and fire departments. He also helped with economic and housing development. He was a strong supporter of Denver’s children.
Exploring the Library
The library is very large, covering 40,000 square feet. It has three floors, each with something special.
First Floor: Your Neighborhood Library
The first floor is a regular branch of the Denver Public Library. It has an entry area with exhibits. You'll find rooms for meetings and studying. There are over 35,000 books, magazines, and movies. These materials are available in both English and Spanish.
Second Floor: A Treasure Trove of History
The second floor holds special collections. It's a research library with rare books. You can find old photographs, letters, and diaries. There are historic newspapers and places to listen to oral histories. These are recordings of people telling their life stories.
This floor also has a research area and study space. You can see rotating exhibits of historical items. As of 2018, you could access over 90 digital collections here.
Third Floor: The Museum Experience
The third floor is a 7,000 square foot museum. It has exhibits about African American history. These stories cover Denver and the Western United States. The exhibits begin in the 16th century Southwest. They tell stories stretching from Mexico to Canada.
A very special item here is Robert Smith's manumission papers from 1834. These papers show that he and his family were freed from slavery in Virginia.
The museum also displays the desk used by Mayor Wellington Webb. There's a tribute to Denver’s past mayors. You can learn about the Five Points neighborhood's history. It changed from a wealthy suburb to a center for Denver's black community. Today, it's a diverse neighborhood.
The third floor also has the Charles and Dorothy Cousins Changing Gallery. This gallery shows art from local Denver artists. It also features national exhibits.
Tours and Walking Tours
The library offers guided tours for groups. You can also take a self-guided walking tour. This tour is in the Welton Street Cultural District. It has signs that tell the story of African Americans in Colorado.
