an initiative of History Colorado

We Are Colorado

At History Colorado we strive to be a place of belonging for all Coloradans and to serve as a platform for community connection. We know we’re succeeding when more voices, perspectives, and experiences are part of museum life. We demonstrate our commitment to community through our We Are Colorado initiative.

We're creating community programming and developing neighborhood memory projects. We’re also working with staff and volunteers to integrate inclusivity at every level of museum work.

We invite you to join us!

photo of event at Growhaus — Neighborhood Memory Night, Globeville-Elyria-Swansea, November 2018

Upcoming Events

Ethnic Christmas Open House at El Pueblo History Museum - December 7, 2018
Public Opening of Written on the Land exhibit at History Colorado Center - December 8, 2018
Children's Naturalization Ceremony at History Colorado Center - January 4, 2019
Day of Remembrance at History Colorado Center - February 17, 2019
Black Music Matters 2.0 at History Colorado Center - February 28, 2019

Check out our Borderlands Lecture Series too!

Neighborhood Memory Projects

The Neighborhood Memory Project is a writing and storytelling program geared towards long-term residents and new residents of a specific neighborhood. We use site-based remembering techniques to jump-start writing and storytelling that reanimates the community history of a place. Neighbors write stories of resilience and community connection that resurrect and forge stronger identities.
Hispano Coloradans

No matter where you live or travel in Colorado, the Hispano influence is powerfully felt. So many people have made their mark on Colorado’s rich history, and our state’s Hispano residents have been here longer than many.

Join us in celebrating their stories — stories of discovery, patience, persistence and resilience.
Italian Coloradans

Shaped by the country they left behind, Italian immigrants made their way to Colorado in the late 1850s, spurred by the mining boom.

Upon arrival, they faced many challenges, often living in segregated communities. Despite their struggles, Italian immigrants persevered and prospered, making an impact on the communities they were becoming a part of.

Today Colorado’s Italian American community is experiencing a revival, with members committed to preserving their history. Below are personal histories and rare photographs collected in collaboration with this community.

Check out our recently re-published book Italy in Colorado for more!

We partner with CIRCLE (Connecting Inclusive, Responsive Communities Leading Education) to host a STAMP (Students Taking Action and Making Progress) Leadership experience every summer. This year the theme was Somos Colorado. Here is one of the videos produced by the youth involved!

Community Partnerships

By connecting with Denver and statewide entities working toward concomitant goals of cultural preservation and community engagement, History Colorado is able to lengthen its reach, increase its visibility while also deepening its commitment to mission. Here is a list of some of our current partners:

Indigenous Film Festival
Mexican Consulate
"I am Denver" initiative led by City Storyteller Rowena Alegria
Black American West Museum
GLBT Community Center of Colorado
Denver Project for Humanistic Inquiry

Learn more

Check out our online exhibits: Amache: Japanese Internment in Colorado, La Gente: Colorado's Hispano History, African American History in Colorado, and Ute Tribal Paths

Listen to a segment on Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Matters about our Heritage Diversity Initiative and tell us about the places that are important to you!

Watch this video, listen to this CPR interview, or read this blog to learn about how we loaned some items from our collection to 4th and 5th graders in Silverton to help them make their local museum more inclusive

Learn about volunteer opportunities here