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Colordao History - Colorado cliff dwellers photo

Colorado Cliff Dwelling Ruins 1908.

Panoramic photographs,  #PAN US GEOG - Colorado no. 46. Library of Congress, American Memory



Historical Museum Guide for Colorado

A directory of Historical Museums in Colorado, categorized by county.

Taking a trip to Colorado?  A visit to these Colorado history museums and historical sites will allow you to soak up some local history and culture while you are there.  Visit a historical museum and gain insight into the history of early Colorado people and the way they lived.

Some history museums have virtual tours, histories, genealogy data and historic photos to view online, allowing you the opportunity to visit without ever leaving home!

Colorado Museums Index      Museum Index for Other States

   Book Pick: A Colorado History

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Of Special Historic Interest

Colorado Historic Newspapers

Colorado State Symbols

Denver History Timeline

Family & Local Histories

History of the American West

 

Historical Colorado Photos

1851-1991 Panoramic Photos

Colorado Digitization Project

Colorado Historic Photos USGenWeb

Golden, Colorado Old Photos

Otero County Historic Photos

Western Historical Photos

 

Colorado Traveler Info

Free Colorado Road Map

Free Colorado Travel Guide

Search Phone Books

411.com

 

 

Colorado historical newspapers

Old Colorado Newspapers

Read firsthand historic accounts of events in historic newspaper with Ancestry.com's Historical Newspaper Collection.

Historical Newspapers 1815-1985!

Colorado Springs Wkly Gazette

Colorado Springs Gazette

Newspaper Obituaries

All U.S. Newspapers

 

 

If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility..... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

 

Colorado History Book

A Colorado History

 

 

 

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Colorado History Museums

Arapahoe County Aurora History Museum

Focused on the history of Aurora, Colorado, the museum features exhibits of historical artifacts and the history archives full of historic documents and images.  Location is 15051 E. Alameda Parkway in Aurora, CO.

 

Archuleta County San Juan Historical Society and Museum

The museum features artifacts and historical items related to the history of the Archuleta County area.  Located at the corner of First and Pagosa Street in Pagosa Springs, CO.

 

Bent County

Boggsville Historic Site on the Santa Fe Trail

Located on Colorado Sate Highway 101 just 2 miles south of Las Animas, the site features pioneer demonstrations, music, food and tours and re-enactments.  Boggsville, founded in 1862, was the first settlement in SE Colorado.

 

Boulder County

Boulder History Museum   [Boulder History Timeline]

Erie - Wise Homestead Museum

The museum is focused on the history of Erie, CO and developing an appreciation of the heritage of the American West.  The Wise Homestead is currently open Saturdays (May through October) from 10am to 2pm and by appointment. to schedule a visit, please call 303-828-4568. For more information about the museum or the Erie Historical Society please call Sarah Wise at 303-828-4561 Located at 11611 Jasper Road in Erie, CO. Phone: 303-828-4561.

Longmont Museum and Cultural Center

While the museum is focused primarily on the history of Longmont and it's early people, there are some great art exhibits and a lovely view from the mountains to the plains.  Located at 400 Quail Road in Longmont, CO.

 

Broomfield County

Broomfield Historical Depot Museum

Housed in an old train depot station, the Broomfield Historical Society operates this museum which holds a large collection of photographs, railroad books, city directories, and other historical documents related to the history of Broomfield, CO.

 

Clear Creek County

Argo Gold Mine, Mill and Museum Historic Site   [History]

Hamill House Museum   [Tour]

Hotel de Paris Museum

Operated by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Colorado, the museum building was once known as Delmonico Bakery.  It was opened as the Hotel de Paris in 1875 and operated as a hotel or boarding house until 1939.  In 1954 the building was rehabilitated and became a meeting place of the Colonial Dames and their display of exhibits.  Located at 409 6th Street in Georgetown, CO.

Historic Sites in Georgetown

 

Crowley County Crowley County Heritage Center

[Crowley County Family Histories]   [Obituaries]

Located in the historic 1918 School building, the museum offers memorabilia about the history of Crowley County, Colorado along with genealogy data.

 

Delta County

Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum

[Photos]

The primary focus of the museum is on the history of Hotchkiss and Crawford, Colorado as well as the surrounding area.  Features include exhibits of SW Indian artifacts, historical photos, and replicas of a general store and parlor of the olden days.  A reference library is located on the premises and holds family histories, genealogies and other local historical research materials.  Located at 180 S. Second Street in Hotchkiss, CO.

 

Denver

Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

Discover the role of black people in the history of the American West.  Located at 3091 California Street in Denver, CO.

Colorado Historical Society

Forney Transportation Museum

Molly Brown House Museum   [Photos and History]

Born to Irish immigrant parents, Margaret Tobin Brown was well known as a survivor of the Titantic tragedy and also known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown.  The 1880s house was home to James Joseph Brown and wife Molly Brown.  Molly lived in the house until 1932.  Upon her death, the house was owned by various owners and at times rented out to roomers.  Today the house has been restored and includes period furnishings.  Located at 1340 Pennsylvania Street in Denver, CO.

 

Douglas County Littleton Historical Museum   [History]  [Historic Landmarks]

 

El Paso County

Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum   [Virtual Tour]

Housed in the beautiful 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, the museum features exhibits relating the history and culture of the Pikes Peak area.  Visitors will find a lovely outdoor area surrounding the courthouse with fountains, sculptures and landscaping.  215 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs, CO.

McAllister House Museum

This lovely old home was built in 1873 by Major Henry McAllister, Civil War veteran and early pioneer of Little London (Colorado Springs).  Visitors can take a step back in time  to Victorian elegance which has been recreated by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Colorado.  Fully restored and filled with period furnishings, the home is open for special events and by appointment for private groups.  Also available for rental.  Located at 423 N. Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs, CO.

Pikes Peak Radio and Electronics Museum

[Virtual Tour]

Focused on the preservation, study and display of radio and electronic equipment from past to present.  Located at 6735 Earl Drive in Colorado Springs, CO.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

 

Fremont County

Museum of Colorado Prisons   [History and Photos]

Visitors will explore the history of Colorado prisons through exhibits. One can even "do some time" in the historical cell house of the 1935 Women's Correctional Facility.  Located next to the Colorado Correctional Facility (Old Max) on 1st Street in Canon City, CO.

 

Garfield County

Frontier Museum and Historical Society   [History]

Focused on the history of Glenwood Springs and Garfield County, Colorado, the museum features artifacts and historical documents related to local history.  Researchers may peruse the archives which offers many genealogical and historical research materials.  Located at 1001 Colorado Avenue in Glenwood Springs, CO.

 

Gilpin County

Central City Opera House

Coeur d' Alene Mine Shaft House

Gilpin Historical Society & Museum

[Gilpin History]   [Photos]

This stone school building was built in 1870 and today it houses the Gilpin County History Museum.  Located at 228 E. High Street, Central City, CO.

Thomas House Museum

 

Grand County

Cozens Ranch and Stage Stop Museum 1874

Heritage Park Museum

Pioneer Village Museum

Winter Park Ski Resort

 

Huerfano County

Francisco Fort Museum

This adobe structure built in 1862 was the first settlement in the Upper Cuchara Valley.  This old fort has served as a business center, apartments and even a private residence until it was purchased in 1957 by the Town of La Veta for use as a historical museum.  Today, visitors will find many early artifacts of the area with trained docents who tell the stories of the early pioneers and Indians of the area.  Located at 123 W. Francisco Street in La Veta, CO.

Walsenburg Mining Museum

Housed inside an old 1896 county jailhouse, the museum features exhibits and artifacts which relate the story of coal mining in Walsenburg and the people who lived there in mining camps.  Other exhibits include the county jail history and it's prisoners.  Visit at 112 W. Fifth Street in Walsenburg, CO.

 

Jefferson County

Astor House Museum and Clear Creek History Park

[Astor House History]  [Clear Creek History Park]

Located in historic downtown Golden, these attractions provide a look back in time to Colorado life in the late 1800s.

Boettcher Mansion

1917 mansion located in Golden at Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve.

Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum   [History of Buffalo Bill]

Buried on Lookout Mountain is the famous buffalo hunter, Buffalo Bill Cody.  A memorial museum is located here also.

Colorado Railroad Museum   [Exhibits]

Golden Historic Buildings and Landmarks

Golden Pioneer Museum

A visit to the Golden Pioneer Museum will reveal the history and artifacts of the Golden, Colorado area.

Humphrey Memorial Park and Museum   [History of the Humphreys]

Housed in the old Humphrey home which was built around a ca 1880 cabin originally lived in by rancher J .J. Clarke.  The museum is unique in the fact that it remains virtually unchanged since 1920.  Offering insight into Colorado ranching life in the late 19th and early 20th century, one can find Indian artifacts, antiques and historic art objects.

620 S. Soda Creek Rd.
P.O. Box 2122
Evergreen, CO 80437
303-674-5429
Director, Peggy Shaw

Morrison Heritage Museum   [Historic Sites in Morrison]

The museum is currently closed and scheduled to reopen in 2007 at a new location.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum

Pullman House   [History]   [Pullman Historic District]

Built as a way station leading to the famous gold fields, this is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Colorado.  Later known as part of the famous way station Cold Springs Ranch.  The structure has at one point been dismantled and is now being reconstructed.

 

La Plata County

Animas Museum - Durango Area History

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad   [History]

A historic railroad founded in 1880 is still providing train service today.  Operation of a historical train with 1925-1935 locomotives and vintage coach cars, provide visitors with a grand experience with fantastic views of the mountains.  Address: 479 Main Avenue in Durango, CO.

 

Larimer County

Avery House Museum

Enos Mills Cabin Museum & Gallery

Built in 1885, the cabin as home to Enos Mills.  Operated by his descendants, it is dedicated to the achievements of Enos Mills that have impacted millions people around teh world.  Enos Mills was an author, photographer, nature guide, innkeeper, lecturer and adventurer.  He is known as the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park".   Located at 6760 Highway 7 in Estes Park, CO.

Estes Park Historical Museum   [Virtual Tour] [Photos]

Focused on the collection, preservation and interpretation of the historic events in Estes Park, CO.  Located at  200 4th Street in Estes Park, CO.

Fort Collins Museum

Lula W. Dorsey Museum  [Virtual Tour]

Known as the Wind River Lodge, it was relocated in 1910 an renovated in 1924.  Today the museum houses two historic cabins,an archaeology display, a 1900 Studebaker freight wagon and many other historical items.  Located at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park Center.

 

Mesa County

Museum of Western Colorado   

[Grand Junction History & Photos

[Palisade History & Photos]

 

Moffatt County Museum of Northwest Colorado   [Old Photos]

 

Montezuma County

Anasazi Heritage Center Museum

Crow Canyon Archaelogical Center

Lowry Pueblo

Mesa Verde National Park

 

Morgan County Fort Morgan Museum   [Virtual Tour]

 

Otero County

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Koshare Indian Museum

The Otero Museum

 

Ouray County Ridgway Railroad Museum   [Photos]

 

Park County South Park City Ghost Town   [Museum Tour]

 

Pitkin County

Ashcroft Ghost Town   [Town Map]

Ashcroft was a mining town which was begun in 1880 and went bust when the silver mines played out just 5 short years later.  Self guided tours anytime but guided tours are offered in summer months.  Located 10 miles south of Aspen on Castle Creek Road.

Heritage Aspen   [History]

Independence Ghost Town 

For a few short years, Independence was s thriving boomtown where over $190,000 worth of gold was produced from 1881-1882.  Today a few buildings remain.  Visitors may take self guided tours.  Located on Highway 82, 13.5 miles east of Aspen, CO.

Wheeler Stallard Museum

Housed inside the beautiful 1888 Queen Anne style home built by Jerome B. Wheeler, the museum transports visitors to an earlier time in history.  The home has been refurbished to appear as it would have looked in the 1890s.  The second floor features an exhibit on the life and art of Tom Benton, the acclaimed artist who hails from Aspen.  Located at 620 W. Bleeker Street in Aspen, CO.

 

Pueblo County

El Pueblo History Museum

Old Colorado City Historical Center  [Photo History]

Rosemont Historic Mansion Museum

Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center

Housed inside the original freight depot and warehouse which was built in 1924 for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, the museum is focused on the history and heritage of the southeastern region of Colorado.  Located across the street from the Historic Union Depot at 201 West B Street in Pueblo, CO.

 

Rio Blanco County White River Museum - A collection of the pioneer west

Learn about the history of Meeker through artifacts, photos and displays.  Located at 565 Park Avenue in Meeker CO.

 

Saguache County

Hazard House Museum

Saguache County Museum   [Photo Tour]

 

Trinidad County A. R. Mitchell Memorial Museum and Gallery

(Arthur Roy Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art)

Housed in an early 1900s western building, the museum hosts a national art exhibit which includes a remarkable collection of Spanish colonial folk art along with many historical photographs and art pieces.  Located at 150 East Main Street in Trinidad, CO.

Trinidad History Museum

The historic Trinidad site includes several buildings of historical signifance. This complex overlooks the Santa Fe Trail and includes the 1882 Bloom Mansion and the Baca House.  The Pioneer Museum is located in the complex and houses a collection of covered wagons with tools and implements of the early pioneers along the Santa Fe Trail.  Located on East Main Street in Trinidad, CO.

 

Weld County

Centennial Village

Stroll through history.  With 45 structures on 8 acres, it's a great chance to get a glimpse of early life in Greely, Colorado and explore the history of the High Plains.

Greeley History Museum

Newly opened in 2005, the focus is on the preservation of Greeley history.

Hazel E. Johnson  Research Center

This is the place to find genealogy records and help if you have family ties to this area.

Meeker Home Museum  [Family History of Nathan Meeker]  [Virtual Tour]

This home built in 1870 was home to the Nathan Meeker family, founding family of Greeley, Colorado.

Plumb Farm Learning Center

During special events, this becomes a hands on learning experience for children of all ages.  Home of classes, festivals, special events and sometimes animals.

 

 

Museum Index for Other States

Colorado Census Records

 

CENSUS HOME    Census Records  Historical Societies  County Maps  Genealogy News  Spotlite  Links  Link to us!

Genealogy Sources:   Ancestry.com   Genealogy.com  CensusDiggins.com   Ancestor Hunt   Surname Search

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Colorado Historical Museums Guide is a tool designed to help you find Colorado history museums and Colorado historic sites.  

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