Press Release – Things to Do: US Independence & Colorado Statehood Month at History Colorado

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DENVER — June 23, 2026 — As this summer’s twin anniversaries near, History Colorado’s museums across the state are recognizing 250 years of US independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood through a month-long series of events, exhibitions, and experiences.

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or staying close to home, History Colorado’s museums across the state are hosting a variety of family-friendly activities to engage with our state and nation’s stories this Sesquisemiquincentennial summer.

July through early August officially marks the anniversaries for Colorado and the United States. Coloradans overwhelmingly voted to approve the state’s constitution on July 1, 1876. The nation was then celebrating its Centennial: exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Coloradans held massive unofficial parades and parties in anticipation of imminent statehood. By August 1, now known as Colorado Day, President Ulysses S. Grant officially signed the proclamation welcoming Colorado to the Union as the 38th state. 

The Declaration of Independence similarly went through a month-long process from when the nation’s founders agreed on a plan for independence on July 2 to when delegates signed the declaration and made it official on August 2. 

“The United States is both a place and an idea. Our shared ideals are more than abstractions – they are what weave us together as Americans,” said Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado’s President/CEO and State Historic Preservation Officer. “When you feel untethered, the best antidote is to reconnect to the fundamentals – to reach for our roots… to reflect on the originating ethos of this nation, to re-anchor to our formational ideals and to remind us who we are, who we could be and should be as a nation.”

As Coloradans mark this milestone Independence Day on July 4 and Colorado Day on August 1, History Colorado is offering intriguing ways to connect with this history all across the state – from heritage train rides in the mountains to a trio of thought-provoking America 250 – Colorado 150 exhibitions at the History Colorado Center, outdoor poetry and music, an immersive art installation in Fort Garland, Indigenous perspectives on US history in Montrose, and so much more. 

Community is also invited to come together for free Colorado Day festivities and museum access on August 1. Experience Colorado’s rich history, vibrant culture, and local community spirit at the Colorado Day Community Fest in Denver and at free events at History Colorado museums statewide. 

America 250 – Colorado 150 Exhibitions:

Moments That Made US | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!

Moments that Made US brings together extraordinary artifacts spanning eight hundred years of American history – revealing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience that have shaped the nation. Much of what is on display has never before made its way to Colorado – like a silver spoon crafted by American Revolutionary Paul Revere and President Richard Nixon’s tape recorder from the infamous Watergate Scandal. Moments That Made US is a signature initiative of the America 250 – Colorado 150 commemoration.

38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!

Colorado’s origin story is full of tension and intrigue, with powerful interests clashing on a long road to statehood. But why did it take five tries and more than fifteen years to become the 38th star on our nation’s flag? As our state turns 150 years old, 38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State brings you along for the winding journey. Through a unique collection of photographs, artifacts and voices – you’ll see why each attempt at statehood came with challenges and opportunities.

Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!

At the same time that the nation’s founders were signing the Declaration of Independence on the East coast, one of the earliest European expeditions was traversing the treacherous terrain of the West. Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante traces the exploration of two Spanish priests whose maps – spanning what is now Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico – shaped where people settled and created essential trade routes for centuries to come.

New Exhibitions Open Now:

Outside, Looking In | Montrose, CO

Ute Indian Museum | Now Open!

Through Outside, Looking In artist and author Vickie Leigh Krudwig seeks to promote awareness and compassion by examining the past 250 years of American history from an Indigenous perspective, acknowledging both historical injustices and the enduring resilience of Native communities. The exhibition includes 12 mixed-media paintings and short essays that symbolize Indigenous stories and the preservation of ancestral knowledge.

Exhibitions Opening Soon:

Unearthing Futures / Desenterrando Futuros | Fort Garland, CO

Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | Opening June 28

Unearthing Futures / Desenterrando Futuros is an ambitious and sprawling cross-border exhibition exploring adobe as a living practice that connects art, architecture, and ancestral knowledge across the Southwestern United States. The Fort Garland Museum – itself housed in five original adobe buildings – is collaborating with the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico to share unique installations at both locations. Artists show how adobe endures not through permanence but through renewal. Unearthing Futures also extends well beyond the museum galleries, offering a road trip experience guided through a website and phone app highlighting historic and contemporary adobe structures dotting the landscape between these southwestern cities. 

Ed Dwight: Casting A Legacy | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Opening July 17

Ed Dwight is a living legend whose artwork makes history come alive. Working from his Denver studio since 1977, Dwight has dedicated his artistic career to sharing African American history – while he himself continues to shape history as a trailblazer with astronomical accomplishments. Ed Dwight: Casting A Legacy showcases more than a dozen of Dwight’s artworks and explores his life and contributions as a renowned sculptor and innovator as a pilot, engineer, and the first Black astronaut candidate in the United States.

Avondale: Fields of Devotion | Pueblo, CO

El Pueblo History Museum | Opening July 18

From fertile farm fields to boisterous baseball fields and foreign battlefields, the people of south-central Colorado’s small town of Avondale step up to the plate in many ways. Avondale: Fields of Devotion draws on stories shared with El Pueblo History Museum by the town’s residents through History Colorado’s Avondale Museum of Memory project. Through an intriguing array of historic photographs and artifacts, alongside the stories and voices of community members themselves, this exhibition honors the deep love shared by this community.

Exhibitions Closing Soon: 

Declaration of Sentiments | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado Women’s History | Closing July 6

The oldest-known printing of the Declaration of Sentiments is leaving Denver on July 6. This groundbreaking declaration dared to demand equal rights for women – helping launch the women’s suffrage movement, and paving the way for Colorado to become the first state where men voted to extend that right to women. Displayed alongside the Declaration is a remarkable letter sent by Susan B. Anthony congratulating Colorado activist Ellis Meredith on the successful inclusion of women in the electorate – more than 25 years before the rest of the nation. After this rare copy of the Declaration returns to Washington DC, a reproduction copy will be on view as part of the ongoing Votes and Dreams exhibition. 

July Events and Experiences:

Ethnobotany Tours | Montrose, CO

Ute Indian Museum | July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22, 9:30 – 10:15 am

See what’s blooming in the Ute Indian Museum’s gardens on an ethnobotany tour guided by a museum docent. Hear about the trees, shrubs, and plants connected to the Ute people, and learn about how the Utes found value in these plants for food, fiber and cultural uses. These tours are free and open to the public, with no RSVP required.

Independence Day 250th Celebration Trains & Tours | Georgetown, CO

Georgetown Loop Railroad | July 4, 10 am – 3:50 pm

Ride through towering evergreens, over iconic trestles, and along mountain vistas aboard the Georgetown Loop’s historic narrow-gauge railroad. This special themed train ride is inspired by America’s heritage and legacy, and commemorates a major milestone in our nation’s history with a special celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. Learn more and book tickets on the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Events webpage.

4th of July at CCWH: Music, Poetry, Groundbreaking Declaration | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado’s Women History | July 4, 10 am – 4 pm 

Enjoy the gorgeous gardens at the Center for Colorado’s Women History on July 4th for a series of free poetry and music performances featuring women and gender diverse artists. The performances will run from 11 am to 4 pm. The performances are free with advance RSVP. The museum is also open for general admission to see Votes and Dreams and a rare printing of the groundbreaking Declaration of Sentiments, on display for a limited time until July 6th.

Monday Morning Movement & Meditation | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 8 – 8:40 am

Join free yoga and meditation classes on the Trinidad History Museum’s Bloom Lawns each Monday morning this summer. Please bring a water bottle and mat or blanket. Enter through the gate on Walnut St. Please note that the class is outside and weather-dependent. Reserve your space to attend this event. For questions or more info, contact Millie Duren at [email protected]. 

Tuesday Night Summer Socials | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado’s Women History | July 7, 14, 21, & 28, 4 – 7 pm

Special summer hours are back at the Center for Colorado Women’s History every Tuesday evening in June. The museum is open until 7 pm. Explore the Votes and Dreams exhibition with General Admission or join a 45-minute Women’s History Tour to also see the rest of the historic home and learn more about Colorado’s trailblazing women. Purchase tickets online or in person. For more information, contact Cat Jensen [email protected].

Little Saigon Teacher Professional Development | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | July 8, 8 am – 3 pm

Educators are invited to learn about the historic roots and resilience of Denver’s Little Saigon through a one-day workshop. Engage with a film, oral histories from community members, a featured lecture by Dr. Joie Lê, and a guided tour of the exhibition Big Dreams in Little Saigon. As the community faces many changes today, this workshop will discuss how to share educational resources in classrooms. Register in advance to attend. This workshop is organized in partnership between History Colorado, Colorado Asian Pacific United, and the University of Colorado Center for Asian Studies South, Southeast, and West Asia (SSEWA) Outreach Program. 

Move & Groove: Family Fitness Class | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | July 10 & 24, 9 – 10 am

Join the Trinidad History Museum every other Friday on the Bloom Lawns for a movement class that is fun for the whole family! Taught by Sabra Lopez, this class is open to all ages. Tickets are $5 per person or use the discount code 2for8 at checkout when purchasing a child and adult ticket for a total of $8. Please bring a mat and water bottle. Enter the museum grounds through the gate on Walnut Street. For more information, contact Millie Duren at [email protected].

Low Sensory Tour | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | July 11, 8 – 10 am

The History Colorado Center is happy to open its doors for families and self-advocates who prefer a lower sensory museum environment. For one morning every other month, the museum will be closed to the general public, attendance limited, and sounds in the exhibits turned down. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance.

Dementia-Friendly Tour | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | July 11, 9:30 am or 10:30 am

The History Colorado Center is offering a dementia-friendly tour to promote connection and belonging for adults with dementia and their companions. This tour is designed for those who want to linger and enjoy the museum at a slower pace. Tour participants will sit down and engage in a facilitated discussion, learning new information and contributing their own observations along the way. Tickets are free but space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance. Please reach out to Emily Turner at [email protected] or (303)-866-2396 with questions about this program.

Poetry on the Porch Series | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado’s Women History | July 11, 18, & 25, 1 – 3 pm

The beloved Poetry on the Porch summer series is back at the Center for Colorado Women’s History every Saturday in July. Join us in our garden to experience the work of women and gender diverse featured poets, and share your own! Hosted by author, educator and poet, Marissa Forbes, this series includes an open mic for all poets, complimentary hand fans and water. Come for the poetry and stay for the community. These events are free and open to the public, but please reserve tickets in advance. The featured poets are Victoria “Tori” Martinez on July 11, Megan Foley on July 18, and Ashley Cornelius on July 25. 

Sasquatch Adventure Trains & Tours | Georgetown, CO

Georgetown Loop Railroad | July 11 – 12, 18 – 19, & 25 – 26, 10 am – 3:50 pm

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly ride through the mountains, explore the Sasquatch Museum, and take part in a Bigfoot scavenger hunt. Each booking receives a 2026 Sasquatch Adventure Faro Chip. Sasquatch Adventure Trains have three opportunities varying in time slots, pricing, and tour activities. Learn more and book tickets on the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Events webpage. 

Music on the Lawn | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | July 16, 5:30 – 7 pm

Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and snacks to enjoy live music on the Bloom Lawns at the Trinidad History Museum. This evening will feature a performance by Desert Mountain Revival. Enter through the gates on Walnut or Chestnut Street. RSVP in advance for free admission. This event is recurring every Third Thursday from May through September, and admission is free!  

Colorado Statehood Teacher Professional Development | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | July 20 & 27, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm 

Explore the 1876 creation of the Centennial State in honor of Colorado’s 150th anniversary. During this professional development workshop, educators will explore new standards-aligned lesson plans and resources that provide a more complete and diverse understanding of the people and events surrounding Colorado’s statehood. These educator materials are a signature initiative of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission and are generously sponsored by Comcast. A $250 stipend will be provided to educators who complete the workshop. RSVP to secure your spot.

State Historical Fund Webinar | Virtual

History Colorado | July 22, 12 – 1 pm

Historic preservation projects can be expensive. Join presenters Winter Roybal & Laurel Schlegal for a free webinar event to learn more about the variety of grants available from the State Historical Fund and how to apply. Register in advance for the Zoom webinar.

Harlem of the West: A Tribute to Five Points’ Jazz Era | Denver, CO

Dazzle at the Arts Complex | July 23, 7 – 8:30 pm

Harlem of the West: A Tribute to Five Points’ Jazz Era brings the music, style, and spirit of Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood to Dazzle for an evening of live jazz, visual storytelling, and historic interpretation in partnership with History Colorado’s Blaxplanation program. Featuring songs from the 1930s through the 1950s, the concert honors the sounds once heard in the clubs, stages, and gathering places that made Five Points nationally known as the “Harlem of the West.” Book tickets before they sell out. Doors open at 6 pm.

Colorado Day 150th Celebration Trains & Tours | Georgetown, CO

Georgetown Loop Railroad | July 31, August 1 & August 2, 10 am – 3:50 pm

Celebrate the spirit of Colorado with these mountain train experiences dedicated to the state’s history, wildlife, and natural beauty. Featuring special programming with Nature’s Educators and additional Colorado-themed activities, this event honors everything that makes Colorado unique. Colorado Day 150th Celebration Trains have three opportunities varying in time slots, pricing, and tour activities. Additional details for each train tour can be found on the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Event Page. RSVP to reserve your tickets! 

“Adobe: Past, Present, Future from Fort Garland to Taos” Overnight Trek | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | September 30 – October 3 (Deadline to register is August 18)

Immerse yourself in adobe art on this two-day excursion through the southwestern towns of Fort Garland and Taos. In this overnight trip with History Colorado’s Tours & Treks series, visit historical places to learn about the practices of adobe making that predate statehood, and see modern interpretations of adobe art through the Unearthing Futures/Desenterrando Futuros installations at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center and the Harwood Museum of Art. Register for tickets by August 18.

About History Colorado

History Colorado is a 146-year-old institution that offers access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites. As an agency of the State of Colorado and a non-profit organization, History Colorado is committed to serving all Coloradans through generational work that centers communities, deepens knowledge and catalyzes the transformative power of history.

History Colorado is also home to a free public research center, people-centered preservation work done by the State Historical Fund and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the State Archaeologist, the State Historians Council, and many other community-driven public history projects such as the Museum of Memory. History Colorado stewards more than 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages each year. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado

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