“The new Center for Colorado Women’s History brings to life the smart and courageous women who define Colorado’s pioneering spirit and heritage,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “This center will be a place to tell their story and those of future leaders.”

Now open to the public, the Center for Colorado Women’s History focuses on scholarship, research, public programs, narrative, lectures and exhibits that expand the understanding and collective memory of the history of women in Colorado. The Women’s History Center is an innovative space for adventurous dialogue and challenging questions that generate new knowledge and perspective of women’s role in history – within Colorado and beyond; reflect the diverse audiences of Colorado; share and collect stories that represent the lives and work of all women in Colorado’s past and present; amplify stories of the women who work within communities; and connect local stories to the broader stories of women’s history worldwide.

“The Center for Colorado Women’s History is as much about embracing Colorado’s history as it is about cultivating new knowledge and opportunities for women. More than ever, Colorado is ready for this dedicated space that makes it possible for us to build more narratives, hear more stories and form new collaborations,” said Jillian Allison, director, Center for Colorado Women’s History.  

To encourage new opportunities, the Center for Colorado Women’s History is now accepting applications for its Fall Fellowship, with a deadline of March 31. Scholars, activists and artists who want to help inform the understanding of women in Colorado’s history – specifically through women’s studies, gender studies, and/or race and ethnic studies – should apply here. Three fellows will each receive a stipend of $5,000.

“We are committed to a woman’s history that is completely inclusive and not separated by race, class, religion, geography, gender and disability, which represents Colorado’s diverse population and curious culture. Through generous listening, we learn so much from these different viewpoints and experiences,” Allison added.

Today’s speakers included Allison as the emcee; Steve Turner, executive director, History Colorado; Mag Hayden, great-great-granddaughter of Territorial Governor John Evans and Colorado’s pioneering family, namesake for the Byers-Evans House Museum; Kristen Blessman, CEO and president, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce; and Charleszine “Terry” Nelson, committee member, Center for Colorado Women’s History and community resource manager, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. In addition, Allison read a proclamation from Governor John Hickenlooper, declaring March 21st as “Center for Colorado Women’s History Day.”

The Center for Colorado Women’s History is located inside the historic Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St., in Denver. For more information on the Center for Colorado Women’s History, as well as the Fall Fellowship, please visit www.h-co.org/ccwh, call 303-620-4933, or visit the Facebook page.

About Center for Colorado Women’s History

The Center for Colorado Women’s History is the first state museum focused on the past, present and future achievements of Colorado women. The Women’s History Center focuses on scholarship, research, public programs, narrative, lectures and exhibits that expand the understanding and collective memory of the history of women in Colorado. The Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers Evans House is a Community Museum of History Colorado. For more information, visit www.h-co.org/ccwh.