CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May - June 2004
Photos from the collections of the Colorado Historical Society.
For more information, contact Julie Wedding, Director of Public Relations, at .
May 1st - May 31st, 2004, Film Screening on Saturday, May 22, 2004, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver
Contacts: Re: Exhibit: Mary Jo Zeidler, or
Re: Bison Restoration: James Garrett, or
Re: Archaeological Research: Dr. Lawrence Todd, or ; CSU Dept. of Anthropology
Re: Archaeological Research: Dr. Jeffrey Eighmy, or ; CSU Dept. of Anthropology
DENVER -- As part of the celebration of Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, the Colorado History Museum is currently debuting a new traveling exhibit that brings to life the ancient Indian history of bison hunting, as practiced for thousands of years on the Colorado High Plains. Awakening Stories of Ancient Bison Hunting presents insights and interpretations offered by archaeologists, American Indians, and bison ecologists regarding the Kaplan-Hoover Bison Bonebed, one of the largest arroyo hunting sites known in the Americas from the Late Archaic Period located near Windsor, Colorado. The intent of this exhibit is to encourage visitors to recognize our different ways of knowing these cultural sites and promote our diversity as a people.
The Northern Colorado Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society is proudly assisting Professor Lawrence Todd (Colorado State University) and his colleagues with the public dissemination of archaeological research conducted at the Kaplan-Hoover site. This interpretive program also recognizes American Indian traditional knowledge as necessary for broadening our understanding of this site. Awakening Stories features a selection of traditional cultural items made from buffalo materials prepared especially for this exhibit by Mark Soldier Wolf (Northern Arapaho Nation), Leroy White Man (Northern Cheyenne Nation), and Kelly Looking Horse (Oglala Lakota Nation). These items and accompanying messages convey the strong connection that American Indians maintain with the buffalo and with their ancestral past. The development of Awakening Stories has also served to acknowledge High Plains Indian tribes as interested stakeholders in the long-term preservation of this significant cultural site.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Kaplan-Hoover Bison Bonebed is recognized for its importance in furthering our understanding of Late Archaic Period bison hunting on the Colorado High Plains. This designation also made the site eligible for a grant award from the Colorado Historical Society - State Historical Fund to complete a land purchase and secure the site's long-term preservation. Local support from the River Ridge West Homeowners Association, which currently manages the conservation easement established for this property, has also played a key part in this preservation plan.
Awakening Stories of Ancient Bison Hunting also features a documentary film produced by the National Wildlife Federation, American Buffalo: Spirit of a Nation. In celebration of this exhibit opening, a special screening of this movie will be held at Boettcher Auditorium on May 22nd from 3-5pm, and will include commentary by James Garrett, a bison ecologist from Colorado State University and member of the Ho Hwo Ju Lakota Nation. Mr. Garrett will highlight the importance of the bison restoration movement as a vital part of cultural enhancement, ecological restoration, and economic development for Indian people.
Awakening Stories of Ancient Bison Hunting is sponsored by the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society, and was made possible with generous funding and support provided by the Colorado Historical Society - State Historical Fund, Colorado Endowment for the Humanities, Colorado Archaeological Society, City of Greeley Museums, and Color Key Displays, Inc.
Soldiers on Skis tells the story of World War II's famous 10th Mountain Division as experienced by the soldiers themselves. Using artifacts from the Colorado Historical Society's collection and photographs, letters, maps and diaries from the Denver Public Library, the exhibit highlights the men's experiences at Colorado’s Camp Hale and their hard-fought battles in Italy's Apennine Mountains.
April 30 through August 2
Highlights from the Colorado Historical Society’s collection will be
displayed in an exhibition showcasing the exquisite and the peculiar artifacts
collected by the Colorado Historical Society over the last 125 years. Icons
& Oddities will feature artifacts selected by curators in the areas
of books and manuscripts, decorative and fine arts, material culture and
photography. The artifacts will reflect not only the historical importance
of individual objects, but the scope, depth and variety of items that the
Society has acquired since opening its doors in 1879.
Opens June 2004
Beginning in June 2004, the Colorado History Museum explores the famous
battleship, USS Colorado through the use of photographs, documents and three-dimensional
artifacts donated by members of the crew. Commissioned in 1921, the battleship
USS Colorado steamed her way through the Pacific to an eventual allied victory
in World War II. The Colorado's service record was exceptional earning seven
battle stars, downing 11 enemy aircraft, and setting a record for the most
ordnance fired during a battle. Her last contribution to the war was service
as a "Magic Carpet" ship, returning soldiers home.
Opens September 2004
Capture the Moment opens at the Colorado History Museum for a limited engagement
beginning in September 2004. Capture the Moment will feature120 photographs
in color and black and white. First seen in newspapers, many of these images
proved influential in times of crises and stirred the nation to action.
Representing a diverse scope of subject matter from brutality to heroism,
the photographs range in date from 1941, the year of the first photography
award, to the present. Capture the Moment was developed by the Newseum,
the interactive museum of news, located in Arlington, Va., in association
with Business of Entertainment, Inc.
Opens January 2005
In early 2005 the Colorado History Museum will introduce the first phase
of a new 6,500 square foot American Indian exhibition. Ancient Voices will
explore the complex cultures of Colorado’s earliest inhabitants. Ancient
Voices will also encompass the best in interactive exhibit design by creating
a one-of-a-kind discovery experience enhanced by the Society’s collection
of American Indian artifacts. Visitors will be immersed in to the day-to-day
lives of Ancient Puebloans through multi-sensory interactives and environments
including an evocation of a Mesa Verde cliff dwelling and a thundering buffalo
kill site.
Visit the Web site at www.coloradohistory.org or call for
more information.
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The Stephen H. Hart Library will be closed for renovations beginning Monday, May 24 through Monday, May 31. The renovated research library will reopen to the public Tuesday, June 1 at 10 a.m. Call library staff at .
The Colorado History Museum, at 1300 Broadway in Denver, hosts History Express every Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Games, crafts, artifacts and costumes are available around historical themes that change weekly. These hands-on activities are free with museum admission and admission is free for children under 12 every Saturday. Call or visit www.coloradohistory.org for details!
Celebrate Mexico's special day with music, authentic artifacts from the La Gente collection and traditional crafts like weaving and tissue paper flowers.
Experience the Asian Pacific culture in Colorado through artifacts and photos, and make paper boxes and origami projects to take home. Enjoy a dramatic account of a Vietnam Vet's journey among his Hmong rescuers . Performances of The Road To Ban Vinai at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Take a look at the culture of the ancient puebloans of Mesa Verde through
exhibits, artifacts and activities. Watch play performances of Chance Gulch,
a dramatic portrayal of ancient culture and archaeology meeting face to
face! Performances at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Follow the settlers' journey throughout the gallery from the covered wagon
to the prairie kitchen. Then imagine living the pioneer life: experiment
with settlers' chores like churning butter, washing clothes in a washtub
and making candles.
Step back in time with old-fashioned games, toys, dress-up clothes, hats,
photos and books. Have a look through our 1900’s steamer trunk, and
stay for activities and crafts.
Take a look at Colorado's history through the use of beads. Explore exhibits,
artifacts and photos, and stop by the History Express center to make paper
beads, and other beaded treasures.
Cattle roping, leather tooling and brand design! Celebrate the traditions
of the cowboy through artifacts, crafts and exhibits.
Play your way through Colorado history! Try to spot the toys and games in
our gallery on the Toy Treasure Search; and enjoy our touchcart with authentic
playthings from different times and cultures in Colorado history.
Check out family mining backpacks filled with activities for parents and
children. Try an exhibit scavenger hunt, handle authentic artifacts, dress
up like a miner and build an ore cart to take home.
The Colorado Historical Society’s education department organizes a variety of tours throughout the year ranging from chicken watches to behind-the-scenes tours, from murder mysteries to walking tours. Below you’ll find spring tours that run the gamut. Call or visit the Web site at www.coloradohistory.org for more information.
Tuesdays in June, July and August from 1 to 3 p.m.
400 East 8th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
Bring out of town guests, family or friends to view Colorado's elegant Governor's residence. No reservations are accepted, for groups over 40 people please call . It's a wonderful opportunity for a summer outing!
Sunday, May 16, 11 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Meet at the Red Rocks Amphitheater Visitors’ Center, Morrison
Tour one of Colorado’s unique treasures with Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel and hear about its fascinating history and the colorful and often controversial entertainers to take the stage at Red Rocks. The tour will begin with a champagne brunch and slide show. A tour of the visitors’ center, staging area and rarely seen dressing rooms will complete the afternoon. Cost is $40 for members and $55 for nonmembers.
Saturday, May 29, 9 A.M. to Sunday, May 30, 4 P.M.
Meet at the Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver
Join David Fridtjof Halaas and Andrew Masich, authors of the newly released Halfbreed: The Remarkable True Story of George Bent, Caught Between the Worlds of the Indian and the White Man for a tour of Bent’s Old Fort, Bent’s New Fort, and the Sand Creek Massacre site.
Tour participants will board a bus Saturday morning at the Colorado History
Museum. A visit to the newly remodeled El Pueblo History Museum in Pueblo,
Colo. will be the first stop. The tour will continue to Bent’s Old
Fort, Boggsville, Fort Lyon and the Old Fort Wise/Fort Lyon site. The group
will spend the night in Lamar at the Best Western Cow Palace Inn. A buffet
dinner with speakers will be offered on Saturday night. The group will arrive
at the Sand Creek site the Sunday morning and hear about the latest developments
in making this site a national historic park. After leaving Sand Creek,
the group will enjoy a boxed lunch while Halaas and Masich discuss the culture
of native peoples and nearby historic sites. The tour will return to Denver
by 4 P.M. Cost, $325 for members and $375 for nonmembers (single supplement
$50), includes bus, one night’s lodging (double occupancy), and all
entrance and interpretation fees.
Sandwiching in History Lecture Series
Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver
Thursdays noon to 1 p.m.
Whet your appetite and satisfy your history cravings over lunch with choice offerings of a number of fascinating local history topics. An optional box lunch is available at noon with talks beginning at 12:15 p.m. Boxed lunch and presentation tickets are $10 for members and $11 for nonmembers. Single tickets are $3 for members and $4 for nonmembers (presentation only). Registration is required. Call or visit www.coloradohistory for more information.
2004 Authors Lecture Series
Colorado History Museum 1300 Broadway, Denver
Leonard examines the role that economics, migration, race and gender played in the shaping of justice and injustice in Colorado. Learn how lynching was a central part of the heritage of Colorado and the West in his fascinating study of more than 175 lynchings. The lecture is followed by a book signing. Cost is $5 for members and $6.50 for nonmembers. Call for more information.
Mother’s Day Tea
Sunday, May 9, 1:30 p.m.
Treat your mom to an afternoon tea in one of Denver’s most beautiful homes. Begin a relaxing afternoon with a tour of the historic Byers-Evans House followed by an array of tea, scones, sandwiches, fruit and pastries. Cost is $13 for adult members, $15 for adult nonmembers and $10 for children. Please call to register or visit www.coloradohistory.org for more information.
Mother Knows Best: A Mini-Program of Short Stories by Colorado Authors
Sunday, May 9, 2004, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
In honor of Mother’s Day, hear two short stories by local authors,
read by local actors, that will tickle your funny bone and bring a smile
to your face. Brought to you by Stories For All Seasons On Stage and the
Hunger Artists Ensemble Theatre, this performance will be held
in the library of the Byers-Evans House Museum. Admission is $5.
Free Day, International Museum Day
Tuesday, May 18, 2004, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Byers-Evans House is joining other museums around the world in open their doors free of charge on May 18, International Museum Day.
Guided Tours
Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Denver landmark, the home was built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher William Byers and sold in 1889 to William Evans, an officer in the Denver Tramway Company. It has been beautifully restored with the Evans family furnishings to the period between 1912 and 1924. Admission is charged. For information or to schedule group tours, call .
Free Tours
Tuesdays, June 1 through August 31 from 1to 3 p.m.
Visit this beautifully redecorated historic home in Denver's "Capitol
Hill," that serves at the Governor’s residence. Tours are conducted
by members of the Colorado Historical Society.
The Ute Indian Museum will begin summer hours of operation May 15 through October 15. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors (65+), $1.50 children (6-16), children 5 and under are free and Colorado Historical Society members are free.
Museum Volunteers Needed
The Trinidad History Museum, the crown jewel of Trinidad’s national
historic district, is seeking volunteers for the summer season, which begins
Saturday, May 1 through Thursday, September 30. Visitors from across country
and around the world appreciate the hometown hospitality and insights provided
by volunteers.
Volunteers are needed to explain tour schedules, sell museum tickets, assist shoppers and serve as ambassadors for Trinidad! Shifts are three hours per week Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers receive free admission to the Trinidad History Museum as well as a 10% discount in the bookstore. Call for more information.
Mother’s Day Special
Sunday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mothers receive free admission and members of their party pay only $2 each.
Kids six and under are free! Call for details.
National Historic Preservation Day
Friday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Baca House, Bloom Mansion
and Barglow Building. Cost is $5 per person and reservations are required.
Tours are limited to ten people. Proceeds support the Bloom Mansion Curtain
Project. Call .
Santa Fe Trail Festival
Saturday, June 12 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy games and special hands-on activities on the sidewalk in front of
the museum. Admission to the Santa Fe Trail is free. Call
for details.
Father’s Day Special
Sunday, June 13 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fathers receive free admission and members of their party pay just $2 each!
Kids six and under are free. Call for details.
Tradiciones: Hispanic Culture for Children
Friday, June 25, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Children ages six to eleven will learn about the traditions of the Hispanic
Southwest in this hands-on workshop featuring the Baca House and Kitchen
Garden. Cost is $3 per child; refreshments included. Call
to register.
History Day
Wednesday, May 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fort Garland Museum will host a history day for San Luis Valley-area schools
Wednesday, May 12. Re-enactors, tradition-bearers and historians will be
on hand to make presentations on adobe making, weaving and life at the fort.
19th-century games will also be featured. The event is free for students.
Call for additional information.
Living History at the Fort
Saturday and Sunday, May 29 and 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join us Memorial Day weekend for Living History at the Fort! The fort will
host nearly 75 re-enactors from Colorado and New Mexico. Living history
groups include cavalry, infantry, artillery and a Civil War-era brass band.
Drills, games and music round out a fun living history experience. Sponsored
by the Friends of Fort Garland. Regular admission prices apply ($3 adults,
$2.50 seniors, $1.50 children 6 – 16 and children under 6 are free).
Call for additional information.
“The Death of Spring” Lecture
Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m.
Hear author Silvio Caputo, Jr. reflect on the immigrants who worked in southeastern
Colorado’s mining camps in early 20th century. His talk covers the
labor trouble that culminated in the Ludlow Massacre. A book signing follows
the lecture. Tickets are $5. Call for reservations.
“Halfbreed: The Remarkable True Story of George Bent” Lecture
Saturday, May 29 at 11 a.m.
Join historians David Halaas and Andrew Masich for an insightful look into
the life of George Bent. The son of fur trader William Bent and his Cheyenne
wife, Owl Woman, George straddled two worlds, set against the dynamic backdrop
of the American West. A book signing following the lecture. Call
for cost and reservations.
Summer Hours Begin Monday, May 31
The museum is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays
1 to 4:30 p.m. from Monday, May 31 through Monday, September 5. Admission
is free.
Kids’ Fur Trade Rendezvous
Wednesday – Friday, May 5 – 7, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stop by Fort Vasquez Museum to observe area third- and fourth-grade students
learn about early trading post days from period re-enactors. Call for information.
Preservation Pizza Party and Archaeology Exhibit Opening
Saturday, May 23, 4 to 6 p.m.
Celebrate Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month at the new interactive
archaeology exhibit and learn about plans for reconstructing the adobe walls
at the museum. Pizza is $1 per slice. Call for more information.
Primitive Arts Festival
Saturday, June 26, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Primitive arts specialists, artists and fur trade re-enactors will demonstrate
their special skills and sell their wares at the annul show at the Fort
Vasquez Museum. Call to learn more about the event.
Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin Open May 7
Explore Leadville’s glittering silver bonanza past this summer with
a visit to the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin. Summer hours begin Monday,
May 7 through Thursday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Tale of Two Tabors
Experience the dramatic and tragic lives of “Baby Doe” and Augusta
Tabor in an historic setting. All performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Healy
House’s Little Tabor Theatre. Adults $14, children under six $6. Call
for reservations.
Tuesdays and Fridays, June 19 through August 31
Go back in time with Horace Tabor’s second wife as she sits alone in
her cabin at the famous Matchless Mine. Baby Doe reflects back on her life,
making the audience part of this moving drama.
Thursdays and Fridays, June 24 through August 27
Living history enactor Mary Jane Duran portrays Augusta Tabor, the first
wife of legendary Horace Tabor, telling “the other side of the story.”
Hear, in her own words, the sacrifices and the rewards of those early pioneer
years.
The Colorado Historical Society was established in 1879 and is headquartered
at the Colorado History Museum in Denver. The Society is a statewide organization
with 12 museums and historic sites across the state dedicated to collecting,
preserving and interpreting the history of Colorado and the American West.
This educational institution also contains the Office of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation, as well as the Stephen H. Hart Research Library,
and administers the State Historical Fund, a preservation-based grants program
funded by limited stakes gaming revenues. For more information on the Society
call or visit the Web site at
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