Duane Vandenbusche

State Historian Councilmember

Dr. Duane Vandenbusche is professor of history at Western Colorado University. He has been teaching in Gunnison since 1962. He teaches on the history of the US West, especially water, public lands, and the environment. His history of Colorado’s Western Slope, A Land Alone, has been the standard text on the region since its publication in 1981.

Headshot Photo of Doctor Duane Vandenbush
Duane Vandenbusche

Written by Duane Vandenbusche

  • Photo of a city sidewalk, flanked by grass on each side. A child sits on the edge of the grass toward the top of the photo, and they are holding sidewalk chalks. A bucket of chalks is on the ground next to their foot, and they are wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and a hat. The sidewalk is decorated with hearts and flowers in yellows, blues, and pinks, along with yellow peace symbols. In large blue letters are the words "This too shall pass."

    Looking Backward: Lessons from a Pandemic

    If we take a backward glance at 2020 from the standpoint of 2120—never mind how we got here—what do we see? And what perspective have we gained in the century since? Colorado’s State Historian takes a moment to ponder some lessons learned.

  • Beloved Primary

    The Black Canyon, My Favorite Place in Colorado

    We asked each member of the State Historian’s Council to reflect on what “our beloved Colorado” means to them. For Colorado Day, our new State Historian Duane Vandenbusche explains why the Black Canyon is his favorite place in Colorado.