History Colorado facts for kids
History Colorado is a special group that helps people learn about the past of Colorado. It started way back in 1879! It's also known as the Colorado Historical Society. History Colorado is a non-profit organization and works with the government of Colorado to share history.
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What History Colorado Does
History Colorado helps everyone explore the rich history of Colorado. They have museums, fun programs for families, and special events. They also take care of Colorado's important historical items.
History Colorado provides learning materials for schools, students, and teachers. They also help protect old buildings and places. You can even visit their Stephen H. Hart Research Library to learn more.
Their work helps with tourism and education all over Colorado. They offer many ways to experience history through their museums. These museums have exhibits and programs for both kids and adults.
History Colorado also works with schools across the state. They give classrooms and teachers tools and lessons about Colorado's past. They help local communities create their own history programs too.
They also publish a magazine called Colorado Heritage. It used to be called The Colorado Magazine.
The History Colorado Center
In 2012, History Colorado opened a brand new state history museum. It's called the History Colorado Center. This building is their main office and a fun place for tourists to visit.
It's also a museum and a place for community events. The center has many exhibits, including ones that travel from other places. It also houses the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
You can find the State Historical Fund and the Stephen H. Hart Research Library here too. The building is located at 12th and Broadway in Denver. It was designed and built by teams from Colorado.
History Colorado is connected to the Smithsonian Institution. When the building opened, a Smithsonian director called it "the first great history museum of the twenty-first century."
Protecting Colorado's Past
History Colorado has been taking care of the state's historical treasures for over 130 years. They have given out millions of dollars in grants to help preserve history across Colorado.
State Historical Fund
The State Historical Fund gives money to projects that protect old buildings and sites. This fund was created in 1990. It gets money from taxes on certain types of gaming in towns like Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
Groups can apply for this money to help with their history projects. The best projects are chosen through a special process.
Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
This office helps manage projects related to old sites and history. They keep records of important archaeological and historical places in Colorado. Their work helps Colorado's economy and culture.
This office also oversees the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. This is a list of important historical places in the state.
How History Colorado Started
The State Historical Society of Colorado began in 1879. It now owns and takes care of thirteen historic sites and museums. These are located in ten different places around Colorado.
History Colorado is a non-profit group and also part of the state's higher education system. It is connected to the Smithsonian Affiliations program. It is also approved by the American Alliance of Museums. The main offices of History Colorado are in Denver.
Historic Sites and Museums
History Colorado manages many interesting historical places:
- History Colorado Center, Denver
- Byers-Evans House Museum, Denver
- El Pueblo History Museum, Pueblo
- Fort Garland Museum and Pike's Stockade, Fort Garland
- Fort Vasquez Museum, Platteville
- Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park, Georgetown
- Grant-Humphreys Mansion, Denver
- Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin, Leadville
- Trinidad History Museum, Trinidad
- Ute Indian Museum, Montrose
Centennial Farms and Ranches
History Colorado recognizes farms and ranches that have been owned by the same family for over 100 years. These are called "centennial farms" or "centennial ranches." An example is the Salt Works Ranch in Park County.
State Historian's Council
History Colorado has a special group of historians. Their job is to "preserve, interpret and share Colorado's past." The State Historian's Council was created in 2018. It helps support historical understanding all over the state.
The title of State Historian changes among the council members each year on Colorado Day.
The council members include:
- Dr. Jared Orsi
- Dr. Claire Oberon Garcia
- Dr. Nicki Gonzales
- Dr. Thomas J. Noel (Emeritus)
- Dr. Susan Schulten
- Dr. William Wei (scholar)
See also
- Colorado 1870-2000
- History of Colorado
