Press Release
History Colorado exhibit El Movimiento re-opens September 9
DENVER — The 1960s was a decade when many social movements took center stage--the Vietnam anti-war movement, Black Power, the Women’s Movement, and here in Colorado, the Chicano Movement. Denver was the urban center of the Chicano Movement. But, throughout Colorado, the embers of El Movimiento burned hot, igniting boycotts, demonstrations, and other events throughout the late 60s and early 70s.
To help tell the story of the Chicano Movement in the 1960s, History Colorado and community advisors co-created an exhibit, El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement, which originally opened as a temporary exhibit in February 2015. Now, the exhibit returns as a new addition to a core exhibit gallery. The returning exhibit will feature more photos documenting the Chicano civil rights movement from the History Colorado collection.
El Movimiento defines the journey from exploitation to empowerment through the voices of the people who marched, organized and struggled for justice. History Colorado has created this exhibit to tell a story that is so integral to Colorado’s history. Through the exhibit, visitors will be able to better understand the roots of the Chicano experience and cultural identity as well as the significance of the movement to Denver and Colorado.
“We are providing a balanced view of the people and the events that brought about tremendous political and social changes,” says Deborah Espinosa, History Colorado exhibit developer and advisory committee liaison. “The exhibit illuminates the distinct aspects of the Chicano movement in the 60s including land and labor rights, student activism and anti-war sentiment.”
According to Espinosa, throughout Colorado people who felt invisible took back their power by reclaiming their indigenous roots, history and human rights. The struggle for equality was waged on many fronts – in fields and factories, in schools, courts, through alternative media, in the arts, and via political organizations. El Movimiento is a story told by activists who were there, passionately seeking justice. “This exhibit examines the political and social upheaval in Colorado during that pivotal era,” states Espinosa.
El Movimiento is included in the cost of a general admission ticket: $12 adults, $10 students/seniors 65+, $8 children 6-12; children 5 and under are free. For complete information, visit www.HistoryColoradoCenter.org.
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:
Brooke Gladstone
Communications Manager
303-866-3670 | brooke.gladstone@state.co.us