Ritchie’s appointment builds on a period of steady growth for History Colorado. For the last three years, the board has focused on charting a path for expansion allowing the organization to better care for Colorado’s treasures while inspiring generations to find wonder and meaning in its history. That hard work and carefully constructed vision have positioned the organization to connect with cultural evolutionaries like Ritchie.

“Dan Ritchie is a transformational leader, as evidenced in his work with the University of Denver, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, UCHealth and so many organizations. We are fortunate he chooses to bring his considerable insight and experience to History Colorado at this significant moment in the history of our 140-year-old state cultural institution,” said History Colorado Executive Director Steve Turner.

“It’s important to create opportunities within our statewide community,” said Ritchie. “I was fortunate enough to have a good education, and I believe everybody should have access to unique learning opportunities.”

This aligns with one of Turner’s core goals as History Colorado moves into its next phase: to provide a broad audience access to learn from the past, empowering that audience to become actively engaged in shaping the future.

“Today, history museums need to be catalysts for progress,” said Turner. “In our vision, history museums do more than just look at old objects; we can use the unique qualities of our state’s history to inform the way we view the world today. Colorado is growing and changing in so many ways, and by understanding our roots we can more efficiently innovate and build from our past. The more we become informed and engaged, the more we can all inspire our state and its future.”

“My work is out of gratitude and the belief that when we put our heads together, we can do just about anything. It’s fun and satisfying. There are a lot of people who want to get engaged with History Colorado, which tells me they’re ready for this journey,” said Ritchie.

For more information about History Colorado, visit www.HistoryColorado.org.

About History Colorado

History Colorado creates a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. 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.