by Kathleen Spring

Created on: January 15, 2010

Anyone who wants to know about early fur trappers, Indian buffalo hunts, old railroads or mining in the Rocky Mountains will enjoy visiting the Colorado History Museum. The museum focuses on this early period, particularly around 1800s when the town of Denver was formed and Colorado became a state. It presents its information in many different ways, so that it may appeal to different kinds of people. This includes stories of its earliest inhabitants to its pioneer families through artifacts, detailed dioramas, photographs, and more.

On the lower level are several permanent exhibits that explain the history of Colorado. For example, some people love the many large dioramas which were made after the end of World War II by local artists who were unemployed. It is one thing to hear about early residents living in a western camp, but another thing to see dozens of miniature people putting up tents, drying buffalo meat, swimming in streams, competing on horseback, and more.

There is an large map, at hip-level, that people can walk around as a taped narration explains the changing landscape of Colorado over the decades, and the movement of the people and the rivers. The full size train, intact mud house, and other real-size exhibits are very popular. But one of the most unique exhibits is a glass wall that allows the visitor to view hundreds of items in storage, mostly on shelves. A few specially chosen items are in front, partially blocking the view.

The special gallery on the first floor features changing exhibitions. These have included subjects like famous buildings that were constructed out of the famous local sandstone, or life of early Italian or Latino immigrants, or the story of the Wild Bill Show. The exhibits reflect the diversity of heritage of Colorado residents, both their lives and the culture, and of the American West.

Many have said that their favorite exhibit is the Mesa Verde Indian culture one, or the exhibits related to mining and railroads, which Colorado is famous for, or its cowboy memorabilia, which is said to have some of the most extensive collection of artifacts in the country.

There is a gift shop on the first floor. The museum store offers many original Indian arts and crafts, along with a wide selection of books on Colorado and the West , some memorabilia, and more.

The original building was constructed in 1977, and moved to a new location in spring 2010. The Colorado Historical Society has its headquarters on the upper floors, as well as The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the extensive Stephen H. Hart Library. Some of the public’s favorite items are the library’s thousands of old photographs.

The Colorado History Museum offers educational programs. Youth come to the museum for live performances, and there are outreach programs that go to the schools. Plus, they offer adults “brown bag” lunch time lectures and special events in the evening, all for small fees. The museum offers approximately five free admission days to Colorado citizens annually.

The building is located in what is called the Golden Triangle of downtown Denver, which includes the capital, the art museum and main library. The original building was easily recognized by the painting of famous people in Colorado that covered the entire front of the museum.

Colorado History Museum
1300 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80203 10am-5pm M-Sa, noon-5pm Su  303-866-3682

http://www.chs.state.co.us 

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