Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum facts for kids
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Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
(El Paso County Courthouse 1903-1973) |
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | 215 S. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado |
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| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Archie Gillis & Angus, August J. Smith |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Second Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000272 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | 1972 |
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is a cool place to visit in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It's located in a beautiful old granite building with a tall clock tower. This building used to be the El Paso County Courthouse from 1903 to 1973. The museum moved into this historic spot in 1979. It's filled with amazing art, old objects, and historical documents that tell the story of the Pikes Peak region. This building is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places! It was actually the second place in El Paso County to get this special recognition, right after Pikes Peak itself.
The museum is found inside Alamo Square Park. It also has the Starsmore Center for Local History, which is a special place for research and old papers.
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What You Can See at the Museum
The museum's main goal is to help people connect with the history of the Pikes Peak region. They do this by keeping and sharing our cultural past. You can explore many different exhibits, both temporary and long-term. They also offer tours, programs, talks, and special events.
Museum Collections
The museum has more than 60,000 items in its collection. These include many cultural and historical objects.
- Native American History: You can find artifacts from the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute cultures.
- Famous People: Some items that belonged to the writer Helen Hunt Jackson are also on display.
- City History: The collection includes things about how Colorado Springs was founded. You can also learn about the mining industry, military bases, and how the city became a health resort.
- Art and Crafts: The museum has beautiful Van Briggle Pottery and art from the region. They also have a very important collection of quilts.
The museum has won awards for being excellent. It is also officially recognized by the American Association of Museums.
Pikes Peak Mural
Artist Eric Bransby created a large mural inside the museum. This mural shows the history of the Pikes Peak region. It starts with early Native Americans and goes all the way to the building of the United States Air Force Academy.
Museum Store and Admission
There is a museum store where you can buy souvenirs. The best part is that admission to the museum is completely free! The museum's goal is to collect, keep, research, and explain the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region.
Starsmore Center for Local History
Inside the museum, you'll find the Starsmore Center for Local History. This center has a research library and archives focused on the Pikes Peak Region.
- What's Inside: The collection includes old images, newspapers, and city directories.
- Important Papers: You can also find the personal papers of General William Jackson Palmer. He was the person who founded Colorado Springs.
Alamo Square Park
The museum is located right in Alamo Square Park. This park is a nice place to relax and explore.
- Park Features: The park has several sculptures that tell stories about history. You'll also see pretty flower beds and a gazebo.
- Historic Clock: There's a preserved street clock from the 1900s by E. Howard & Co.. This clock was saved during city changes in the 1960s. It was moved here from its original spot a few blocks away.
See also
