“The Argus system, which can be accessed at h-co.org/collections, serves researchers, educators, and all Coloradans in an unprecedented and user-friendly means of engaging with our state’s history,” says Elisa Phelps, Director of History Colorado’s Collections and Library Division. “It readily facilitates access to profoundly important collection resources that History Colorado has amassed to document and preserve the people, places, stories and material culture of our state.”

The initial launch of the collection online contains approximately 80,000 records including artifacts, photos, and archival documents. It will eventually house more than 300,000 records as the system evolves and is continually added to every day. “For anyone who is interested in History Colorado’s vast collections, this online portal is exciting. Researchers, history buffs, teachers, and students will be able to search our collections and see the primary sources that have shaped our story,” says JJ Rutherford, Director of Education at History Colorado.

The Argus name has a bit of mythology associated with it as well. It is a name of Greek origin and means “vigilant guardian” in Greek mythology. “This is who we are at History Colorado,” says Phelps. “Our mission is to preserve Colorado’s past so that people today and generations going forward can draw from it to shape this state’s future. As such, we are the vigilant guardians of Colorado’s history.”

The History Colorado Online Collection, h-co.org/collections, is available now and can be accessed remotely. No training is required allowing users to start exploring right away.

Reproductions of images are available for a small fee. Prices may vary with size and type of finish but all the information can be found at: http://www.historycolorado.org/researchers/reproduction-commercial-use-fees or e-mail photos@state.co.us. For objects information, contact curator@state.co.us.

Additionally, the Stephen Hart Library and Research Center, an available physical portal to the collection, is open at the History Colorado Center, Wed-Sat 10am-5pm.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Deborah Radman
deborah.radman@state.co.us
303-866-3670 (direct)