History Colorado Center

History Colorado Center in the Denver, Colorado area offers a unique way to experience the history of the Mile-High City. The center is housed in an iconic building that once served as the Denver Public Library and now houses interactive exhibits, dynamic programs, and special events geared toward exploring Colorado's heritage.

It was established in 1879 to collect, preserve, and interpret Colorado's history. The center is home to over 1 million artifacts that span more than 12,000 years of human activity in the state. There are also educational resources available onsite for teachers and students alike.

So, what else can you do and see here?

Exhibits

History Colorado Center features several permanent exhibits, such as:

  • A railroad exhibit. This features actual locomotives from various Colorado development periods, an interactive mining experience where visitors can "dig" for real minerals and fossils.
  • Library. It is full of rare books and documents related to the region's past.
  • A genealogy collection. This center section is dedicated to helping guests trace their family histories.
  • Conservation lab. You can explore how museum objects are conserved and restored.

The center also offers temporary exhibits focusing on particular topics, such as the Centennial State's involvement in World War II or its significance to sports enthusiasts.

Events and Programs

In addition to its exhibits, History Colorado Center also offers a variety of educational programs and special events for adults, children, and families. The center's educational activities include:

  • Hands-on workshops
  • Field trips
  • Lectures

Special events include guided tours of the museum and movie nights on its rooftop patio. You can expect to watch classic films such as The Shining or horror flicks like Jaws. Theater performances, art classes, and live music are featured yearly at select events.

Time Machine

The centerpiece of History Colorado Center is the Time Machine. This innovative exhibit allows guests to explore over 600 years of Colorado's history all in one place. Visitors can learn about ancient cultures, geological formations, and more through timelines from prehistory to the present day through interactive displays. They can also get hands-on with artifacts like dinosaur bones and Native American arrowheads or pan for gold on a real river bottom.

The center also houses a library, archives, and research space. This makes it the perfect place to explore Colorado's past and discover new things about the iconic state.

Whether you're just visiting or a longtime resident, History Colorado Center has something for everyone. Its interactive exhibits and educational programs allow everyone to learn more about Centennial State's fascinating history.