PRESS CONTACT
Luke Perkins, Manager of Communications and Public Relations
303-866-3670 | luke.perkins@state.co.us 

Evergreen Ways to Learn more about the Environment at History Colorado in April and Beyond:
Redlining the Outdoors: Environmental Racism and Outdoor Access Lecture | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 13, 1 – 3 p.m.
Outdoor recreation is one of Colorado's defining features. With State and National Parks, 11 federally managed forests, and more ski resorts and reservoirs that you can easily count, Colorado should be a playground for everyone to access. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for our Black and Brown communities. Join History Colorado’s Blaxplanation team and the Lincoln Hills Cares Foundation for a lecture and discussion about how the outdoors have been manipulated to isolate, restrict, and harm people of color and how these same spaces are being reclaimed today. This discussion will be guided by special guests: 

• Parker McMullen Bushman (KweenWerk on Instagram), COO of Inclusive Guide and CEO of EcoInclusive Strategies
• Eeland Stribling, Conservation and Wildlife Biologist/Comedian
• Dr. Jeanette Patterson, Executive Director of Lincoln Hills Cares Foundation 
• Modesta McGrath-Martinez, Chapter Lead of Latino Outdoors Colorado

This event is free and open to the public but RSVP is appreciated.

Ongoing Exhibitions:
One of the core ways that History Colorado explores the relationship between the people of Colorado and the landscapes we call home are exhibitions at our museums across the state. 

History Colorado Center:

• Destination Colorado explores the triumphs and challenges of farming on the Eastern plains in the early 20th century. Purchase goods from the general store, take a virtual joyride on a Model T, and act as a farmer for a day by collecting eggs and milking cows all while exploring the Colorado prairie town of Keota
• Written On the Land teaches visitors about how the Ute peoples have adapted and persevered in Colorado throughout the centuries. With more than 200 artifacts on display– beadwork, clothing, basketry, and tools– alongside videos of elder oral histories and celebrations, Written on the Land serves as a crucial exhibition in understanding the relationship between Colorado’s oldest continuous residents and the land that is now the Centennial State
• Living West enlightens visitors on the deep relationships between Colorado’s people and the land through two distinct stories: one on life at Mesa Verde 800 years ago and another on the 1930s Dust Bowl on the southeastern plains. Braid twine, paint clay pots, gauge your daily water usage, and grasp the challenges farmers faced while enduring the infamous dust storms that wreaked havoc on the American West
• The Dry: Black Women’s Legacy in a Farming Community chronicles through first-hand accounts how the families of a predominately Black homesteading community known as The Dry persevered despite challenging conditions. Fortified by the tenacity of women, the people of The Dry transformed the landscape of southeast Colorado, established a community that existed outside of racially segregated America, and forged a legacy of freedom, family, and resilience
• Flow: On the River with John Fielder explores the many uses and importance of the Colorado River through the photography and words of the premier landscape photographer of the Centennial State
• What’s Your Story? Tells the stories of Coloradans past and present who found their superpowers and made an impact on the community, state, and nation including conservationist Maud Banks Duke, environmentalist and musician John Denver, and professional climber and climate change activist Tommy Caldwell
• Colorado Stories includes a number of exhibitions that highlight the ways in which Colorado communities have been influenced by, and shaped, their surrounding environment including:
  • Top of the World: A Silverton Silver Mine, which digs deep into the realities of hard rock mining in Southwest Colorado
  • Mountain Haven: Lincoln Hills, which explores the role outdoor recreation opportunities played in giving Black Coloradans an escape from discrimination in segregated America 

Exhibitions and Attractions at History Colorado Museums Across the State:

• Written On the Land at the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose takes visitors on a journey of iconic places around Colorado to learn the story of Ute life, history, culture, and continued connections to the lands of what is now the Centennial State 
• The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose also has expansive grounds featuring both the Ute Ethnobotany Garden and the Naturescape Playground. In particular, the Ute Ethnobotany Garden acts as a haven for native plants and includes panels detailing how these plants were used by the Ute in various ways not just as food and medicine, but also for creating textiles, dyes, or soap. With pathways, shaded lawns, and outdoor seating alongside various educational offerings, the Ute Indian Museum Grounds are a great way of connecting with Colorado history and its environment
• Ute Knowledge: Colorado’s Original Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center in Fort Garland exemplifies how Colorado’s longest continuous residents have thrived through their deep understanding of the landscape and environment. Visitors can explore hands-on activities (engineering a stick shelter, creating a beadwork pattern, testing woven materials, and matching plants with their uses) that highlight how Ute people solved problems in the past and still do today
• Baca-Bloom Heritage Gardens at the Trinidad History Museum in Trinidad enchants visitors with colorful Victorian flowers, antique roses and grape vines, and heirloom herbs and vegetables that line the garden walkways. Additionally, visitors to the Baca-Bloom gardens can view native flowers, cacti, and grasses– the perfect background for anyone looking to relax, play croquet, or enjoy a classic summer picnic

Essential Listening and Reading
Your exploration of the connection between Colorado’s landscapes and its people doesn’t have to stop at the boundaries of our Museums either. Between History Colorado’s The Colorado Magazine and critically acclaimed podcast Lost Highways: Dispatches from the Shadows of the Rocky Mountains, there are hours of reading and listening opportunities available including:

• “Colorado's Forgotten Diversion Dilemma” by Michael Weeks
• “Water, Democracy, and Sustainability: The Acequias of Southern Colorado” by Devin Flores
• “Preserving the Historic Pines Ranch—One of Colorado’s Oldest Summer Resorts” by Megan Eflin
• “A High-Country Encounter” by John Fielder
• “Readings for a Too-Long Fire Season” by Sam Bock
• “Burning Truth: The Beginning of the End for Colorado’s Forests” by Thomas Andres
• “The Dirt Was Everywhere” by J. Joseph Marr and Joseph P. Weibel
• “Collective Loss, Collaborative Recovery” by Ernest House, Jr. (Ute Mountain Ute)
• “Health, Recreation, Education, and Uplift: Lincoln Hills and Black Recreation in the Colorado Mountains” by Ariel Schnee
• “Remains of the Day” by Lindsey Flewelling
• “When History Burns” podcast episode by Lost Highways
• “A Wild Horse Isn't Just A Horse, Of Course” podcast episode by Lost Highways
• “The Dearest Field” podcast episode by Lost Highways
• “Flesh for Fantasy” podcast episode by Lost Highways

For those looking to delve even deeper, the Colorado Encyclopedia has dozens of articles on the ecology and environment of the Centennial State that are sure to spark wonder. History Colorado’s Collection holds tens of thousands of objects, images, and manuscripts chronicling the natural environment including John Fielder's Colorado Collection. 

New Exhibitions
Rumors of Bloomers | Denver, CO
Center for Colorado Women’s History | Now on Display!
The newest exhibition at the Center for Colorado Women’s History, Rumors of Bloomers, explores women’s experiences as expressed through undergarments. Using rarely displayed objects – such as corsets, bloomers, swimming costumes, petticoats, and Mother Hubbard gowns – Rumors of Bloomers highlights the ways “unmentionables” have given form and shape to bodies, while also expressing identity, autonomy, agency, and protest. This unique display of artifacts will leave visitors considering how women’s undergarments have liberated or controlled, enhanced or concealed, supported or restricted women while also uncovering mysteries, myths, and facts that have been historically kept under covers.

New Event Series
Poetry workshops at the Center for Colorado Women’s History | Denver, CO
Center for Colorado Women’s History | April 3, 11,17, & 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join the Center for Colorado Women’s History for a series of poetry workshops facilitated by local educator and poet Marissa Forbes to celebrate National Poetry Month. Each of these workshops is a stand alone event with its own themes, and RSVP list, so please visit each workshop posting to register.

• Undergarment Odes on April 3 will introduce participants to the poetic forms, Addresses and Odes, before they take a captivating and highly focused tour of the Rumors of Bloomers exhibition. This will create an intimate opportunity to sit with the corsets, bloomers, swimming costumes, and petticoats while writing poems dedicated to the items that have enhanced and concealed Colorado women through history
• Pantoums & Panties on April 11 is all about learning the poetic form of Pantoum which will help experienced and novice writers gain a new perspective of women in Colorado history. Participants will examine what women wore while exploring the great outdoors, the changes in garments through domestic and professional labor, and the bloomers worn within the suffrage movement before taking to paper to express themselves through the constrained yet liberating form of pantoums
• Personification: Briefs & Bleeding on April 17 is for those brave enough to personify their period and consider what underwear goes through each month–especially those ratty ones kept just for the cyclical occasion. Participants will explore the menstrual experience, and a bit of sex work through Colorado history, before giving life and a voice to the items used to soak it all up through the poetic method of personification
• Get Dressed for Justice on April 24 connects the history of Colorado to present issues — including some women have been supporting or fighting against throughout time - through a deep dive into the control and liberation of undergarments. Participants can then come together to create a social justice collaboration piece that will shed light on how they can educate and empower each other

Community Conversations with the Trinidad History Museum | Trinidad, CO
Starting in April, History Colorado’s Trinidad History Museum is holding a series of public events designed to solicit input and feedback from the Trinidad community to inform the future of the Museum. These events are part of History Colorado’s ongoing efforts to connect with the communities it serves across the Centennial State and are a chance for the Trinidad community to shape the trajectory of the community’s museum! In April this series will include:

• A community conversation hosted at The Commons at Space to Create Trinidad on April 6 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
• A review of initial landscape concepts and planned investments – such as heritage garden beds, accessible paths, water-tolerant plants, and a new horno – on April 13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Trinidad History Museum

Both of these Community Conversation events are FREE, open to the public, and include complimentary breakfast burritos and coffee for attendees!

Weaving Workshop | Fort Garland, CO
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | Every Tuesday and Thursday from April 9 - May 30, 2 – 4 p.m.
Tickets ($250) and additional information available here.
Learn the art of the Rio Grande Weaving Style in this eight-week workshop led by Master Weaver, Carlos Atencio of San Pedro, CO. This complete course allows participants to learn the entire weaving process from start to finish through a series of classes held every Tuesday and Thursday from April 9 through May 30 at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center. All tools and materials will be provided. 
Space is limited, and a $50 non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration, so participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spot for this workshop. 

April Events
OLLI Class Series: Building Resilience | Fort Garland, CO
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | April 1, 8, 15, & 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join the staff at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center for this interactive Zoom class designed to build resilience. Participants will learn about flowing with life's challenges by synthesizing neuroscience, intuitive medicine, psychology, and subtle energy techniques while considering the challenges of life.
Participants of this free class will meet on site at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center to participate in this interactive Zoom Class.

Tours & Treks - 46th Avenue: A Long, Historic Road | Denver, CO
46th Ave. and Irving St | April 3, 1 – 3 p.m.
Tickets ($30-40) and additional information available here.
Join Tours & Treks for this two mile walking tour that explores one of the historic districts scattered throughout Denver: 46th Avenue, east of Lakeside. There would be no historic road without some intriguing tales along its length and this is the perfect chance to learn about the development of this elegant and storied section of the city. From early auto tourists to bored millionaires, there’s so much to share! 

Trinidad History Museum Coffee & Conversation | Trinidad, CO
Trinidad History Museum | April 5, 8 – 10 a.m.
Start the first Friday of April with free coffee and tea! Held in Trinidad’s own Bloom Mansion, Coffee & Conversation provides space for community gatherings. Join us, mingle with your community members, and meet the museum team to share your ideas, questions, and memories! We look forward to seeing you!

House Museum Book Club | Denver, CO
Center for Colorado Women’s History | April 7, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Join the Center for Colorado Women's History and Molly Brown House Museum to read and discuss books related to women’s history, Colorado history, and books by women authors from Colorado! The free club takes place on a Sunday of the even-numbered months of 2024 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and can be attended either in-person at the host museum or online via a Zoom link that will be sent to you after you RSVP. For additional information, please email Cat Jensen at cat.jensen@state.co.us. 

What’s in a Name? A State Historian’s Roundtable on Controversial Monuments and Place Names | Boulder, CO
Chautauqua Community House | April 9, 7 p.m.
Monuments and place names transmit stories, knowledge, and values from one generation to the next. But what happens when generational values shift about who, or what, deserves to be commemorated? Join Colorado’s State Historian’s Council for a lively discussion about controversial monuments and place names and how we might address them today.

Vecinos Community Coffee | Fort Garland, CO
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | April 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center invites you to join them for warm beverages, good platica, and a conversation with neighbors. This is a free event to provide space for community sharing and gathering. This event is located in the Mess Hall at Fort Garland Museum with parking and an entrance available at the rear of the building.

Poetry and Posole | Fort Garland, CO
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | April 14, 12 – 2 p.m.
Join the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center on Sunday, April 14, for a posole luncheon and bilingual poetry reading and performance from renowned poet Alejandro Jimenez. Originally from Colima, Mexico, Jimenez is a nationally and internationally recognized poet who has won a number of awards and been featured in TIME Magazine as one of 80 Mexican artists shaping contemporary Mexican culture. This free event is open to the public and doesn’t require RSVP.

2024 Stephen H. Hart Awards Celebration | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 16, 5 – 8 p.m.
Join History Colorado and the State Historical Fund in recognizing and celebrating the best archaeology and historic preservation projects from across the state through the 38th Stephen H. Hart Awards for Historic Preservation. Named after Colorado’s first Historic Preservation Officer, this annual event is a time to come together to acknowledge the work that preservationists are doing across the state and the incredible impact it has within our communities. This celebration is free to attend, but RSVP is required.

Rosenberry Lecture: Exploring An Unearthed History of Denver’s Historic Cemeteries | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 17, 1 & 7 p.m.
Tickets ($5-15) and additional information is available here.
Join History Colorado’s Curator of Archives, and lover of cemeteries, Shaun Boyd, for an exploration of some of the fascinating stories of Denver’s largest and oldest cemeteries. This lecture is an opportunity to hear the story of how Denver’s first cemetery “migrated” to other places – or did it? – and pick up a ghost story or two just in time for your spring and summer explorations.

Makerspace Workshop: Grow Your Own Food | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tickets ($27-30) and additional information is available here.
From bed preparation and seed starting all the way to watering and harvesting your produce, join History Colorado for a deep dive into food production as local farmers Paul and Chelsie Fleischer share what they have learned over the last several years growing food for market. This class will review varieties of vegetables that grow well in this region, soil amendments that will help your plants flourish, and more!

Bold Women. Change History. Natalie Diaz | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 24 , 7 – 9 p.m.
Tickets ($30-35) and additional information is available here.
History Colorado’s 2024 Bold Women. Change History. Series kicks off on April 24 at the History Colorado Center with a keynote presentation by Pulitzer Prize winning poet, and MacArthur Genius, Natalie Diaz. This opening event for Bold Women. Change History. is the culmination of a city-wide NEA Big Read of Diaz’s Postcolonial Love Poem and is presented in collaboration with The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary. 

OLLI Class Series: May You Be Well | Fort Garland, CO
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | April 26, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join the staff at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center for this interactive Zoom class on how positive psychology and recognizing and sharing our gifts with the world enhances the lived experience for one and all. Participants will lay the groundwork for a fulfilling, life-giving existence as they consider how the various aspects of well-being (mind, body, and spirit) serve to enhance our ability to flourish. 
Participants of this free class will meet on site at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center to participate in this interactive Zoom Class.

Makerspace Workshop: Traditional Crochet Granny Squares | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tickets ($18-20) and additional information is available here.
When it comes to crochet, the granny square is not only one of the most recognizable patterns but also one of the most versatile. It can be used as the base for items such as blankets, sweaters, bags and much more. Join History Colorado and instructor Krista Cook to learn the basic crochet techniques needed to make your own granny square, and start creating crochet pieces that will last for years to come.
This workshop is recommended for ages 12+. All supplies will be provided and participants will leave the workshop with a finished granny square, remaining yarn, crochet hook, tapestry needle, and written instructions provided during the workshop. 

Hands-On History Family Day | Trinidad, CO
Trinidad History Museum | April 27, 12 – 3 p.m.
Learn all about some amazing animals during this Saturday program at this Trinidad History Museum. We will have guest visitors (including some feathery and scaly friends!) to help us learn about nocturnal animals! We will also explore folklore related to these animals, their importance to various cultures and Southern Colorado history, all while creating some fun art. This event is free and open to the whole family. To learn more, contact Millie at emily.duren@state.co.us or 719-846-7217. Attendees will also receive priority registration for summer camps, as well as a 10% discount on camps for each Saturday they attend!

El Día del Niño | Denver, CO
History Colorado Center | April 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
El Día del Niño—the Day of the Child—is one of the year’s most exciting and vibrant events at the beautiful History Colorado Center, downtown Denver’s only Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Admission to the entire museum and its exhibitions is free of charge throughout the day and the all-day celebration also includes performances by local and international artists. In addition to everything happening at the History Colorado Center, there are also free offerings at the Center for Colorado Women’s History, Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Art Museum, and Denver Public Library all located just steps away from the museum.

Information Session: Travel Back to Move Forward | Online
Online | April 29, 6 – 7 p.m.
Curious to learn more about Blaxplanation's first overnight trip in June, Travel Back to Move Forward: reVision Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Garland Museum? Join us for a virtual information session with the speakers and planners for this trip. We'll discuss the itinerary for the overnight experience and you'll be able to ask any lingering questions before you book your spot! This online event is free and open to the public but RSVP is required.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 144-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado