The 1960s keep on rocking February 6 through April 24 at the Byers-Evans House Gallery where original psychedelic posters promoting concerts at the Family Dog, a Denver music venue that was modeled after the legendary Avalon music and dance hall in San Francisco, we be exhibited.

1968 was the year that rocked history and brings to life this pivotal American year through photographs, artifacts, vintage pop culture items and interactives. 

In 1968, the death toll in the Vietnam War reached a new high.  Riots and demonstrations raged across the country. Apollo 8 orbited the moon.  And the nation was transformed by the tragic assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy. 

The 1960s also charted a dramatic road in America’s pop culture.  It was in 1968 that Hair opened on Broadway.  “Laugh-In” debuted on television.  And, Johnny Cash gave his famous performance at Folsom Prison.

See the iconic purple jacket worn by rock legend Jimi Hendrix, Mr. Rogers’ sweater and sneakers, vintage album covers and musical equipment, and a talking Mrs. Beasley doll.  Witness the reality of ware with Vietnam-era artifacts such as a full-size Huey helicopter, a draft notice, helmets and other gear.  And, view an actual program from Dr. King’s funeral service and see a camera used to photograph Robert Kennedy the night he was shot.

1968 is an ambitious, multimedia experience that looks at how the events of the year have fueled a persistent, if often contradictory, sense of identity for the people who were there and those who came after.

Joining The 1968 Exhibit is History Colorado’s original exhibit,  El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement in Colorado. The events, the art and the impact of one of Colorado's most important social movements is adjacent to the 1968 exhibit and is considered one of the least studied social movements of the 1960s and 1970s.  Chavez, Gonzales and a Colorado community team of advisers who were there then tell the story of this amazing under-acknowledged movement that, in many respects, still burns hot today.

Also, the History Colorado Center Gift Shop is newly stocked with '60s-era memorabilia, books and gifts.  Exhibit tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; $8 for children ages 6-12; and FREE for History Colorado members and children under the age of 8 years old. 

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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.