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Angelika Albaladejo, Communications and Public Relations Manager
720-840-1914 | hc_media@state.co.us

 

At History Colorado museums and historic sites, a remarkable series of exhibitions and events will reflect on these twin anniversaries – sharing a Western perspective on how this country came to be, and how the choices people make continue to shape our society. An array of treasures never before gathered in Colorado offers the chance to see the things that witnessed history. From spurs worn by President George Washington to rare 17th century maps drawn by Spanish explorers, History Colorado visitors can get up close and personal with artifacts from monumental moments in the state and nation.

The new year also brings opportunities for History Colorado visitors to engage in inclusive events like low sensory and dementia-friendly museum experiences, as well as treks, train rides, behind-the-scenes looks at conservation efforts, and so much more.

 

Exhibitions Commemorating America 250 - Colorado 150 Twin Anniversaries:

The Moments that Made US | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!

Moments that Made US brings together fifty extraordinary artifacts spanning eight hundred years of American history – revealing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience that have shaped the nation. Much of what is on display has never before made its way to Colorado – like a silver spoon crafted by American Revolutionary Paul Revere and the baseball bat wielded by Jackie Robinson. Moments That Made US is a signature initiative of the America 250 - Colorado 150 commemoration, a public history project that invites visitors to reflect on the defining events, varied perspectives and extraordinary people that shaped our nation and our state. 

38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!

Colorado’s origin story is full of tension and intrigue, with powerful interests clashing on a long road to statehood. But why did it take five tries and more than fifteen years to become the 38th star on our nation’s flag? As our state turns 150 years old, History Colorado’s exhibition 38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State brings you along for the winding journey. Through a unique collection of photographs, artifacts and voices – you’ll see why each attempt at statehood came with challenges and opportunities.

Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!

At the same time that the founding fathers were signing the Declaration of Independence on the East coast, one of the earliest European expeditions was traversing the treacherous terrain of the West. Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante traces the exploration of two Spanish priests whose maps – spanning what is now Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico – shaped where people settled and created essential trade routes for centuries to come.

 

Projects Commemorating Colorado’s 150th Birthday:

Colorado Heritage for All | Statewide

History Colorado is embarking on an ambitious project to change the way we look at community preservation: Colorado Heritage for All. This project will identify 150 currently unrecognized spaces and places that tell the stories of communities of color, women, and LGBTQ+ Coloradans, and to add all of these sites to the state Register of Historic Places by the end of 2026. Community members can submit suggestions of sites they hope to see preserved.

Portrait of Colorado at 150 | Statewide

Stories are powerful. They can shift perspectives, build understanding and uncover how our experiences shape our identities. A Portrait of Colorado at 150 is a storytelling initiative by History Colorado in partnership with the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission. By collecting oral histories from diverse communities across the state, this project aims to increase representation in Colorado's documented history. Together with communities, History Colorado plans to gather at least 150 stories across every region of our state. Communities interested in gaining the skills and tools needed to collect oral histories can schedule a consultation, access an Oral History Toolkit, borrow story recording equipment, or attend an oral history webinar by signing up online.

Free Print-on-Demand Exhibition for Communities | Nationwide

History Colorado, in collaboration with historians across the country, is offering a free, customizable, print-on-demand exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through defining moments in our nation’s history. Through a user-friendly format that organizations can adapt and make their own, the print-on-demand version of Moments That Made US gives every community, large or small, a chance to come together to reflect on the past and build stronger, more connected communities in the future. Interested museums, libraries, schools, community centers, businesses and other community spaces can sign up online.

 

Events and Attractions to Start the New Year:

Georgetown Loop Encore Trains | Georgetown, CO

Georgetown Loop Railroad | January 1 through 4

The last Holiday Trains of the season are running on the Georgetown Loop Railroad until January 4. Located forty-five miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of Colorado’s most authentic living history experiences. The railroad offers daily train rides through scenic and snowy vistas, as well as evening journeys in the Holiday Lighted Forest. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to reserve yours now!

Exploration Days - All About Archaeology: Arch for Dummies | Montrose, CO

Ute Indian Museum | January 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

In this day-long workshop, 7th to 12th grade students will gain a deeper understanding of archaeology as a career field. Students will hear from professionals, gain insight into the range of career paths within archaeology, and learn about the education and skills needed for success in the field. Students will also get connected with potential volunteer and internship opportunities to build experience, strengthen their resumes, and explore their interests further. Registration costs $25 per student. To register, call (970) 249-3098.

Rocky Mountain Map Society | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | January 20, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Rocky Mountain Map Society will host a conversation about the influence of four 1860 territorial censuses on the development of the Colorado map. Nancy Prince –  a geologist, genealogist, and author –  will talk about how the decennial census in 1860 included the Jefferson Territory, which overlapped Utah, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Kansas. Census data was originally collected to allocate representatives and manage taxation. Today, online census records provide detailed insights into families, communities, and migration. Register for free tickets here to join in-person or on Zoom.

How the Word is Passed: Reckoning With Our Past to Build A Better World | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | January 21, 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Across the country, innumerable places have direct ties to slavery: our schools, our streets, our prisons, our cemeteries, our cities. In this Rosenberry Lecture, #1 New York Times bestselling author Clint Smith will draw on his award-winning book, How the Word Is Passed, to share how places across the country reckon with—or fail to reckon with—their relationship to slavery. Audiences will walk away understanding not only how our country became like this, but where we go from here. A book-signing will follow the lecture. You can buy tickets here for this and other lectures in the Rosenberry series.

Preservation for Posterity: The Wedding Dress of “Baby Doe” Tabor | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado Women’s History | January 29, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Elizabeth "Baby Doe" Tabor wore a now-famous wedding gown for her 1883 marriage to Horace Tabor, Colorado's so-called "Silver King." Compared with more conservative wedding gowns of the time, Baby Doe’s dress was a bold pick, even for the fashion-forward, with its low cut, shimmering floral silk brocade and dramatic seven foot train. At a special event at the Center for Colorado Women's History, visitors can see the dress and learn its fascinating history. History Colorado’s Associate Curator of Clothing and Textile Arts Tara Kaufman and textile conservators Paulette Reading and Rachel Waters will share about the dress design, reception, and display, as well as previous and ongoing conservation efforts to preserve it for posterity. Tickets will sell out quickly, reserve your spot here.

Tours & Treks "Olympic City, USA" Bus Tour | Colorado Springs, CO

History Colorado Center | February 5, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Register by January 20)

History Colorado is kicking off a new year of adventures with Tours & Treks. Just in time for the Olympic Winter Games in Italy this February, the first guided tour of 2026 will leave Denver to explore Colorado Springs, nicknamed “Olympic City, USA.” In this inspiring tour, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at where elite athletes prepare to achieve their dreams. Reserve your spot and buy your tickets by January 20.

 

New Exhibition Openings:

Opening Soon - Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History | Pueblo, CO

El Pueblo History Museum | Opens January 19

Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History is a thought-provoking traveling exhibition that shares stories and artifacts from the lived experiences of Black Coloradans who explored, settled and achieved so much in Pueblo and across the state. This exhibition got its start at the Museum of Boulder, and now El Pueblo History Museum is proud to infuse it with local Pueblo history. The exhibition will open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, following a march in collaboration with the NAACP Pueblo Chapter.

Opening Soon - Mountains Majesty: On the Summit with John Fielder | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Opens January 24

In commemoration of Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood in 2026, History Colorado members selected their favorite John Fielder mountain photographs. Mountains Majesty: On the Summit with John Fielder invites visitors to ascend through sun-dappled valleys, explore rugged slopes, and take in Colorado’s colorful scenery on a photographic journey through the mountains with the Centennial State’s most celebrated nature photographer. 

 

Inclusive Events:

Low Sensory Morning | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | January 10, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

The History Colorado Center is happy to open its doors for families and self-advocates who prefer a lower sensory museum environment. For one morning every other month, the museum will be closed to the general public, attendance limited, and sounds in the exhibits turned down. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance.

Dementia-Friendly Tour | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | January 10, 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

The History Colorado Center is offering a dementia-friendly tour to promote connection and belonging for adults with dementia and their companions. This tour is designed for those who want to linger and enjoy the museum at a slower pace. Tour participants will sit down and engage in a facilitated discussion, learning new information and contributing their own observations along the way. Tickets are free but space is limited, so RSVP to reserve your spot. Please reach out to Emily Turner at reservations@state.co.us or 303-866-2396 with questions about whether this program is a good fit for you.

History Buff Day | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | January 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Stay warm at the History Colorado Center this winter with a guaranteed fun-for-the-whole-family event hosted by the membership team. Through a scavenger hunt, you’ll experience our hands-on exhibitions and learn about our collection. If you complete the hunt, you’ll even walk away with a prize! This event is included with general admission ($15/adult; free for members and children 18 and under). If you have a Colorado fourth grader who isn't a History Buff member yet, sign up here for a free membership for the whole family.

 

About History Colorado

History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado