On August 1, 1876, Ulysses S. Grant signed the proclamation that made Colorado the 38th state. Now, 139 years later, “Colorado Day” is a time to celebrate what makes Colorado a unique and invaluable part of the United States.

The Colorado Day celebration at the History Colorado Center in Denver will include food, music, dance and hands-on activities as well as recognition of how Colorado’s past has shaped the state and its people today.

“No other organization can help Coloradans understand the present in the context of the past the way we can,” said Kathryn Hill, History Colorado’s Chief Operating Officer. “We celebrate places, stories and cultures of Colorado every day, and this is evident the minute you enter our museums. On Colorado Day, we offer even more for visitors of all ages to spark imaginations and stimulate conversations about our state’s issues and future.”

Stop by the History Colorado Center on Colorado Day and experience a number of fun Colorado-centered activities. The all-day festivities include a blacksmith, adobe brick making, mining for gold, chalk art, alpaca fiber arts, roping, beekeeping and a mascot photo opportunity. Throughout the day there will be special events and performances, including a trick roping demonstration, Top Hogs, Mestizo Dancers and a vaquero demonstration.

History Colorado’s library and curatorial staff are celebrating the “Colorado Sound,” the rich history of music in Colorado. From 1-2pm, there will be the inaugural “Tiny Library Concert,” a free performance in the intimate setting of the Stephen H. Hart Library & Research Center on the History Colorado Center’s 2nd floor. The concert will feature live, acoustic music by the Boulder-based bluegrass band Boxcar 79. Also, from 10am-3pm throughout the museum, curators will be hosting tables featuring artifacts from our collections that document the history of music in Colorado, including instruments, photographs, recordings and concert posters.  Come and tell us what you love about Colorado music, add to our playlist of Colorado songs, and listen to a great performance in an unusual setting.

To see the full list of events and times go to http://www.historycolorado.org/event/colorado-day-2015

Not in Denver on August 1? Visit one of History Colorado’s community museums! Special events at these sites include:

• Ute Indian Museum (Montrose): Free Day, Wall Signing, Poster Giveaway, Scavenger Hunt, Auction, Outdoor Movie
• Healy House and Dexter Cabin (Leadville): Free Day, Plein Air Arts Festival
• El Pueblo Museum (Pueblo): Free Day
• Trinidad History Museum: Free Day
• Fort Garland Museum and Pike’s Stockade: Free Day

• Fort Vasquez Museum (Platteville): Free Day

NOTE: History Colorado’s Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park® will not be holding a free day. History Colorado partners with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the National Park Service to bring these events to the public.

For a complete list of our community properties and hours of operation, visit http://www.historycolorado.org/museums

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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)