The Molly Brown House Museum enhances Denver’s unique identity by telling the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown’s activism, philanthropy, and passion. Not only does the house at 1340 Pennsylvania Street symbolize the influential Margaret Brown, but it serves as an example of a brief period of building in Denver just prior to the silver crash of 1893, when Colorado’s economy thrived from the recent mineral wealth of the 1880s.
The Molly Brown House Museum enhances Denver’s unique identity by telling the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown’s activism, philanthropy and passion. Not only does the house at 1340 Pennsylvania Street symbolize the influential Margaret “Molly” Brown (see above), but it serves as an example of a brief period of building in Denver just prior to the silver crash of 1893, when Colorado’s economy thrived from the recent mineral wealth of the 1880s. Construction on Denver’s new Capitol building was in the works, and Capitol Hill was the next “Millionaire’s Row.” Built in 1889, the Molly Brown House was one of the earliest homes being built with electricity (rather than being converted from gas). Its local stonework, quarried from Castle Rock and Manitou Springs, represent the uniqueness of Colorado architecture and geology. It also represents a lasting image of the unique work of prominent Denver architect William Lang, who left his final mark on the cityscape before the 1893 crisis. Just four houses on the block were built before the devastation of the silver crash, and only 1340 Pennsylvania remains.
The Molly Brown House stands as an enduring symbol of Denver’s Titanic heroine, Margaret “Molly” Brown, who influenced major change on both local and national levels during and after her lifetime. Shortly after nursing and raising funds for Titanic survivors, Margaret took a leading role in the national suffrage movement, running for Congress three times, preparing international conferences and working closely with prominent activists such as Alva Belmont, Helen Ring Robinson, and Judge Ben Lindsey. She worked with Judge Lindsey not only on suffrage causes but also on his creation of a juvenile court system, which became the model for the national juvenile court. That same year when the war broke out, Margaret leased her Newport house to the Red Cross and travelled overseas to drive ambulances, for which she was awarded the French Legion of Honor. Following the life of Margaret Brown, a mythic “Molly” Brown continued to make an impact on the nation, giving many a sense of excitement and wonderment about their own “rags-to-riches,” “rough-and-tumble,” “wild west” ideals of their American heritage. The Molly Brown House acts as an important place for stories of Margaret Brown and the mythic “Molly” to manifest, cultivate, and endure.
Molly Brown House Museum
1340 Pennsylvania St.
Denver, CO 80203
United States