History Colorado Center: A Journey Through the Centennial State
Located in the heart of Denver, the History Colorado Center serves as the definitive repository for the rich and diverse heritage of Colorado. Established in 2012, this state-of-the-art facility replaced the former Colorado History Museum to provide a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
The center is housed in a $111 million building at 1200 Broadway, which began construction on August 19, 2009. Administered by History Colorado (formerly known as the Colorado Historical Society), the museum blends traditional archival research with cutting-edge exhibits to tell the story of the people and landscapes that shaped the region.
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Key Facts
- Opened: April 28, 2012.
- Location: 1200 Broadway, Denver, Colorado.
- Cost: The building cost $111 million to construct.
- Administration: Managed by History Colorado.
- Core Focus: The history, environment, and people of the state of Colorado.
Research and Archives
Beyond its public galleries, the museum houses the Stephen H. Hart Library & Research Center. This facility is a vital resource for historians and genealogists, offering an extensive collection of artifacts, archives, and photography.
The research collections include a wide array of materials, such as:
- Historical maps and photography dating back to the 1850s.
- Personal artifacts, including clothing and teapots.
- Newspaper collections containing essential vital records, including births, marriages, and deaths.
Permanent Exhibits
The History Colorado Center is organized into six permanent exhibits designed to engage both adults and children through hands-on learning opportunities.
Living West
Spanning 7,000 square feet, the Living West exhibit examines the dynamic relationship between Colorado's residents and the natural environment. Water serves as the central theme across three distinct regions:
- Mesa Verde: Focuses on the Ancestral Puebloans through tools, pottery, and detailed dioramas.
- Dust Bowl: Allows visitors to experience the hardships of 1930s homesteaders, including a simulation of the "Black Sunday" storm.
- Mountains: Highlights mountain wildlife and the impact of roads and rivers on state development. It also addresses resource preservation, using examples like the mountain pine beetle's effect on forests.
Destination Colorado
This exhibit tells the story of Keota, an iconic homesteading town established in 1880. Though now unincorporated, Keota represents the resilience of community in the face of famine and drought. The experience is narrated by actors portraying real residents, guiding visitors through a recreated general store and school.
Colorado Stories
Colorado Stories provides an in-depth look at the individuals who shaped the state. Key highlights include:
- A ski jump simulator.
- A detailed look at the Granada War Relocation Center, including a walk-through of the cramped quarters used for Japanese-American internees after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- A Silverton silver mine recreation.
- Insights into the work of Rocky Mountain National Park rangers.
- An exploration of the triumphs and struggles of African-Americans in Colorado.
Time Machine
Upon entry, guests encounter a massive 40 by 60-foot map of Colorado created by artist Steven Weitzman using custom concrete tiles. Visitors can move a "steam punk" style time machine across the map, triggering screens that reveal historical stories specific to that geographic location.
Denver A-Z and The Denver Diorama
For those interested in the capital city, the Denver A-Z exhibit offers a quirky, alphabetical journey through the city's history—ranging from blue bears to zombies. Complementing this is the Denver Diorama, a favorite among locals that depicts Denver as a small town on the 1800s plains.
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Museum Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO |
| Opening Date | April 28, 2012 |
| Primary Library | Stephen H. Hart Library & Research Center |
| Major Exhibits | Living West, Colorado Stories, Destination Colorado, Time Machine, Denver A-Z, Denver Diorama |
| Key Themes | Environmental dynamics, homesteading, civil rights, and urban evolution |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the History Colorado Center?
It is a history museum in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the state. It is administered by History Colorado.
What can I find in the Stephen H. Hart Library & Research Center?
The library provides access to archives, photography from the 1850s, maps, and newspaper records including birth, marriage, and death notices.
What is the "Time Machine" exhibit?
It is an interactive experience featuring a large concrete tile map of Colorado. Moving a steam punk-style device over the map activates screens that tell stories from different historical periods of that area.
Which exhibit covers the Ancestral Puebloans?
The Mesa Verde section of the Living West exhibit focuses on the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloans through artifacts and dioramas.
Does the museum cover the Japanese-American internment?
Yes, the Colorado Stories exhibit features a video and a walk-through area depicting the conditions at the Granada War Relocation Center in Southeastern Colorado.