Press Release

Written on the Land opening December 8

A History Colorado Center exhibit featuring Ute voices and history, that expands the understanding of Colorado cultures

DENVER, Colo. (October 4, 2018)— In collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, History Colorado brings the new exhibition, Written on the Land: Ute Voices, Ute History, opening at the History Colorado Center on Dec. 8, 2018. 

As Colorado grows with newcomers, this exhibit is well-timed to share the stories of the Ute tribes, their cultures, and the places of our state’s longest-continuous residents. The comprehensive exhibit will bring together historic artifacts with contemporary photographs, artwork, and perspectives in the voices of today’s Ute people, honoring the tribes that make up Colorado’s ethnicity and influence U.S. history. 

Written on the Land was created with input and guidance from more than 30 tribal representatives, including many multi-day meetings and conversations that helped develop the content. Museum visitors will take a journey through iconic Colorado places where the Ute people have resided for generations  to deepen their understanding of the home we share.

The National Science Foundation awarded a five-year grant to History Colorado in 2016. This grant has provided funding for cutting-edge archaeological fieldwork with Ute elders and youth. These new findings will be featured as interactive spaces in the exhibit and will provide an opportunity for museum visitors to learn more about the use of plants and the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Utes. 

Written on the Land will feature more than 200 artifacts from History Colorado’s world-class collection, including Ute beadwork, clothing, basketry, and contemporary craft. See the colorful beadwork that adorns dresses, moccasins, bags, and jewelry, along with willow baskets, stone tools, and wooden saddles historic Ute people used as they moved through the Rocky Mountains with the seasons. Hear elders tell the traditional stories of the Bear Dance and see beaded gloves, fringed shawls, and carved instruments used in the Bear Dance today.  

Written on the Land is included in the cost of a general admission ticket: $14 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $10 for students with ID, $8 children 5-15; children 4 and under free. For complete information, visit www.HistoryColorado.org.