Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

BOULDER, CO | May 14, 2026 – The Museum of Boulder officially announced the winning design in its Unofficial Boulder Flag competition during a public reception held Wednesday evening at the Museum of Boulder, concluding a months-long community initiative that invited residents, artists, and designers to imagine a new visual symbol for the city.

The winning design, titled Flatiron Sunrise Flourish, was created by designer Michael Stuart Trimmer and selected following multiple rounds of blind review, discussion, and refinement led by a diverse community Review Panel.

The winning designer will receive a $500 award, and merchandise featuring the final flag design will launch Memorial Day weekend. All submitted designs, including finalists, will also be displayed in an installation at the Museum of Boulder.

After receiving nearly 200 submissions from professional designers, students, artists, and community members, the Review Panel selected 10 finalist designs through a blind evaluation process before choosing the winning flag following a final round of review and refinement.

Finalist designers included Todd Pitman, Michael Stuart Trimmer, Mel Rose, Steven Chester of Narrative Designs, Joey Major, Carolyn McHale of Boldface Design Group, Berger & Föhr (Lucian Föhr and Todd Berger), Ethan Thomasset, and Guillermo Tirado. More information on the final designs HERE.

The competition was developed as an opportunity to spark conversation around Boulder’s shared identity, history, landscape, and future through the language of civic design.

“This is an opportunity for dialogue about Boulder’s identity, heritage, and history,” said Emily Zinn, the Museum of Boulder’s newly appointed Deputy Director for Community Engagement.

The final phase of the process included a live design forum hosted by volunteers from the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), where finalist concepts were discussed and refined. The selected design was further refined in collaboration with NAVA volunteers with the artist’s permission and participation, before the Review Panel reached consensus on the final version.

Reviewers cited the flag’s bold geometry, dynamic movement, and distinctive use of color as key strengths, describing the design as reflective of Boulder’s innovative spirit, natural beauty, and energetic identity.

Reviewers also noted the design’s intentionally unconventional structure and strong visual distinctiveness. Unlike many traditional municipal flags, the composition uses angular movement and asymmetrical forms to create a sense of forward momentum and emergence.

“Like the country, Boulder has felt a little divided lately. My hope is that a clear, community-made flag becomes a rallying point that reminds us what we share,” said reviewer Katie Daniels. “Boulder has been my home for many years, and I look forward to many more years with a new shared way to show city pride.”

“A city flag can be a strong visual unifying symbol reflecting pride and shared identity and belonging in a place,” said reviewer Bob Morehouse. “The timing is right for Boulder to adopt a flag that captures the resilience, innovation, and natural beauty of our community.”

The Review Panel acknowledged that no single design would reflect every individual perspective on Boulder, but emphasized that successful civic flags often become meaningful symbols over time through shared public connection and use.

“The introduction of a city flag — official or unofficial — represents a milestone for the Boulder community,” said Christopher R. Taylor, Executive Director of the Museum of Boulder. “This flag encapsulates the spirit of who we are as a community, and I am eager to see it waving proudly, representing our collective aspirations and values for generations to come. Thank you to those who submitted designs and to our committee of designers and community leaders who came together to aid in the selection process.”

The winning design draws inspiration from Boulder’s defining landscapes, culture, and history, with many finalist submissions throughout the competition incorporating elements such as the Flatirons, Boulder Creek, open space, bluebird skies, mining heritage, the Boulder Star, and the city’s strong connection to the outdoors.

About the Museum of Boulder:

Founded in 1944 as the Boulder Historical Society, the Museum of Boulder is an arts and cultural institution that showcases the remarkable accomplishments of Boulder through innovative exhibits, programs, and social engagement. Located on the corner of Pine and Broadway at 2205 Broadway, the institution serves as a private nonprofit holding over 44,000 objects in its collection of Boulder’s history. The Museum features the AASLH National award-winning gallery, The Boulder Experience, highlighting the area’s innovators, scientists, athletes, artists, natural foods, and high-tech interactives. The venue offers event spaces throughout the building and on its scenic view rooftop, making the Museum a unique community hub and resource venue.

Museum of Boulder Hours of Operation:

Wednesday–Monday: 9 AM–5 PM

Closed Tuesdays

Museum of Boulder at Tebo Center

2205 Broadway

Boulder, CO 80302

303-449-3464

museumofboulder.org

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The post Museum of Boulder Announces Winning Design in Unofficial Boulder Flag Competition appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Boulder, Colo. January 28, 2026 —Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mildred Nilon, trailblazers in civil rights, the struggle for equal access to higher education, housing, and employment, and whose legacy helped shape both the City of Boulder and the University of Colorado Boulder, will be honored with a Toni Morrison Society Bench by the Road installation on February 16. The Museum of Boulder has been selected by the Toni Morrison Society as the site of the 35th Bench by the Road installation in the nation and the first in the State of Colorado, an honor that will be celebrated with a public installation and dedication ceremony at the Museum of Boulder.

The bench honoring Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mildred Nilon will be permanently installed in front of the Museum of Boulder at the corner of Broadway and Pine, creating a lasting place for reflection, remembrance, and community gathering. The program will include remarks from notable individuals whose lives and work were influenced by the Nilons, a choral musical offering, and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the bench.

Led by the Museum of Boulder, the installation is made possible through a key partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder, whose leadership and support were essential to bringing the project to fruition. The bench dedication takes place at a particularly meaningful moment as the University of Colorado marks 150 years since its founding, offering an opportunity to reflect on the individuals who helped broaden access, representation, and opportunity within the institution. This collaboration is part of the broader 150/250 commemoration, marking the University’s sesquicentennial alongside America’s 250th anniversary, and underscores a shared commitment to honoring legacy, advancing equity, and telling inclusive community stories.

“Being selected as the site for the first Bench by the Road in Colorado is a meaningful moment for our community and a lasting way to honor the Nilons’ legacy,” said Juliette León Bartsch, Director of Development and Marketing at the Museum of Boulder, who has served as the Project Lead. “We are deeply honored.”

“This bench installation embodies our mission to share inclusive community stories and inspire positive change,” said Christopher Taylor, Executive Director of the Museum of Boulder. “Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mildred Nilon’s legacy of leadership, representation, and tireless advocacy for justice continues to resonate today, reminding us of the power of courage and determination in the face of inequality.”

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Program begins at 4:15 PM)
• Location: Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302
• This event is free to attend with an optional donation, and advance registration is required. Public registration is currently at capacity, and a waitlist is in place. Members of the media are encouraged to contact the Museum of Boulder in advance to arrange press access for the event.
• The link for the registration waitlist can be found HERE.
• Parking: City parking will be free for the Presidents’ Day holiday. Guests are encouraged to allow extra time to park and walk.

Honoring the Nilons’ Legacy:

Dr. Charles Nilon broke racial barriers in higher education when he was hired in 1956 as the first Black professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, becoming one of the earliest Black faculty members at a land-grant university. During his 30-year career, he founded one of the nation’s earliest Black Studies programs and recruited, mentored, and supported countless Black students and faculty. Dr. Nilon was also a leader in local and national civil rights efforts, including participation in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March as part of the Colorado delegation.

Mrs. Mildred Nilon, hired in 1962 as CU Boulder’s first Black librarian, was a pioneer in desegregating the field of library science. Alongside her husband, she was a tireless advocate for civil rights in Boulder, helping to lead community organizations that fought for equitable access to employment and affordable housing for Black people and women.

The Museum of Boulder was selected by the Toni Morrison Society to receive a Bench by the Road installation honoring Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mildred Nilon—pioneering educators and civic leaders whose enduring influence helped shape Boulder’s academic, cultural, and civic life. This installation marks the 35th Bench by the Road nationwide and the first in the state of Colorado, placing Boulder within a distinguished national landscape of remembrance and reflection.

The proposal for the Nilon Bench was initiated and submitted by Juliette León Bartsch, Director of Development and Marketing at the Museum of Boulder, who also worked extensively to build community collaboration and secure funding for the project. Through this effort, the University of Colorado Boulder emerged as a key partner, providing essential financial support that made the installation and related programming possible, with additional contributions from the City of Boulder and the Boulder Public Library.

“Because the Nilon family’s contributions are so deeply woven into Boulder’s history, I believed their legacy deserved lasting and visible recognition, which led me to submit the proposal to the Toni Morrison Society,” said Bartsch. “Their impact on education, equity, and civic life shaped generations, yet their story has too often lived quietly in the background. I was equally committed to ensuring this honor reflected a true community partnership. The University of Colorado Boulder’s leadership made this project a financial reality, and the support of the City of Boulder and the Boulder Public Library speaks to how widely the Nilons’ legacy is respected. Learning that Boulder had been selected—especially as the first Bench by the Road in Colorado—was profoundly meaningful. This bench creates a permanent place for reflection, dialogue, and gratitude, ensuring the Nilons’ legacy continues to inspire our community and beyond.”

Together, Charles and Mildred Nilon were beloved champions of justice whose work continues to inspire generations. The Bench by the Road in their honor serves as a lasting reminder of their impact and of the transformative power of education, leadership, and representation.

“My parents loved books, reading, and learning, and they shared that love with CU students in the classroom and in the library. They loved Boulder and CU and helped change both. And they were part of a black community that valued and supported their kids.” ~Charlie Nilon, PhD, Son and Retired Professor, Columbia, MO

Program Speakers:

Remarks will be offered by:

• Chancellor Justin Schwartz, University of Colorado Boulder
• Dr. Reiland Rabaka, Professor of African, African American, and Caribbean Studies
• Carolyn Denard, Chair, Toni Morrison Society
• Craig Stutman, Vice Chair, Toni Morrison Society
• Charlie Nilon, Son of Charles and Mildred Nilon
• Darryl Varnado, Community and Human Resources Leader
• Annett James, Community Advocate & Entrepreneur
• Dr. Tom Windham, Psychologist, Educator & Senior Advisor, SOARS (NCAR)
• Penfield Tate III, Attorney & Former Colorado State Senator
• Jaelyn Tate, Daughter of Mayor Penfield Tate II
• Dr. Bill King, Professor Emeritus of Afroamerican Studies, CU Boulder
• Christopher Taylor, Museum of Boulder

The program will also feature musical performances by ACE Gospel Choir: All Created Equal, and refreshments will be provided by Two Sistah’s Eats. The celebration also recognizes the Charles and Mildred Nilon Endowed Teacher Education Scholarship, established in their honor.

About the Bench by the Road Project:

The Bench by the Road Project is a memorial history and community outreach initiative of the Toni Morrison Society, launched on February 18, 2006, in honor of Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison’s 75th birthday. The project takes its name from Morrison’s 1989 reflections on the absence of public memorials acknowledging the lives and histories of enslaved Africans and their descendants – an absence she sought to address through her writing, particularly Beloved.

Since 2006, the Toni Morrison Society has placed 20 Benches by the Road at sites across the United States and internationally, including Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina; Walden Woods in Massachusetts; Paris, France; Fort-de-France, Martinique; and the Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York.

The Toni Morrison Society Bench by the Road honoring Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mildred Nilon was made possible through funding from the University of Colorado Boulder, Celebrating CU Boulder’s 150th Anniversary, and generous community support.

Bench Description:

The memorial bench is a black steel bench measuring six feet in length with a ribbed steel seat and powder-coated, weather-resistant frame. It includes a bronze naming plate mounted on the back of the bench and a bronze interpretive plaque installed nearby, describing the Bench by the Road Project and the Nilons’ significance.

Project Lead: Juliette León Bartsch

Planning Committee:

Hon. Gary Jackson, Annett James, Zan V. Johns, Dr. William M. King, Min. Glenda Strong Robinson, Darryl Varnado, Madelyn Strong Woodley, Dr. Thomas Windham (Honorary)

With support from:

Lori Call, Sarah Hallock Adderholt, Sawyer Bundgaard, Chancellor Justin Schwartz, and Emily Zinn

Register for this free event (optional donation):

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toni-morrison-society-bench-installation-and-celebration-tickets-1978846192230

Oral Histories:

Oral History Interview with Mildred (Nancy) Nilon

Oral History Interview with Charles Nilon

To donate in support of this project:

https://74285.blackbaudhosting.com/74285/Annual-Fund

About the Museum of Boulder:

Founded in 1944 as the Boulder Historical Society, the Museum of Boulder is an arts and cultural institution that showcases the remarkable accomplishments of Boulder through innovative exhibits, programs, and social engagement. Located on the corner of Pine and Broadway at 2205 Broadway, the institution serves as a private nonprofit holding over 44,000 objects in its collection of Boulder’s history. The Museum features the AASLH National award-winning gallery, The Boulder Experience, highlighting the area’s innovators, scientists, athletes, artists, natural foods, and high-tech interactives. The venue offers event spaces throughout the building and on its scenic view rooftop, making the Museum a unique community hub and resource venue.

Museum of Boulder Hours of Operation:

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: CLOSED
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Museum of Boulder at Tebo Center

2205 Broadway

Boulder, CO 80302

303-449-3464

museumofboulder.org

THE MISSION OF THE MUSEUM OF BOULDER:

History happens here. The Museum of Boulder showcases inclusive community stories, preserves them for the future, and inspires all of us to effect positive change.

CURRENT EXHIBITS:

Boulder EATS! Food Traditions Along the Front Range | Main Gallery

Blazing Trail for 150 Years at CU Boulder | The Lodge

The Boulder Experience Gallery | National Award-Winning

Playzeum | Garden Level

Google Garage

MUSEUM OF BOULDER:

Website: museumofboulder.org

Connect: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

CONTACTS:

SAVANNAH SNODY

Communications Coordinator, Museum of Boulder

savannah@museumofboulder.org

303.449.3464, x10

JULIETTE LEON BARTSCH

Director of Development & Marketing, Museum of Boulder

juliette@museumofboulder.org

720-210-7920

EMILY ZINN

Director of Education, Museum of Boulder

emily@museumofboulder.org

303.449.3464, x03

###

The post Toni Morrison Society Bench Installation and Celebration to Honor Dr. Charles and Mrs. Mildred Nilon appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

New Year brings new ways to explore Boulder’s history, onsite and anywhere in the world

BOULDER, CO | January 6, 2026 – The Museum of Boulder is expanding public access to its collections and stories with the launch of two major digital initiatives: a new interactive museum guide on Bloomberg Connects and PastPerfect Online, a searchable public portal featuring thousands of objects from the Museum’s permanent collection, including many not currently on view.

Together, these platforms mark a significant step forward in the Museum’s commitment to accessibility, education, and community storytelling, offering visitors new ways to explore Boulder’s past and present both inside the Museum and from anywhere in the world.

The Museum of Boulder has launched a new digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Bloomberg Connects makes Museum of Boulder accessible for onsite or offsite visits through photo, audio, and video features offering insights into the Museum’s collections and exhibits about Boulder, past and present.

The guide allows visitors to hear directly from Olympic gold medalist Connie Carpenter describe the moments after winning gold while standing in front of the bicycle she rode to victory. This and other new features create additional layers of depth and engagement throughout the Museum. Children can also enjoy an ever-changing scavenger hunt with audio descriptions designed specifically for younger audiences. The guide includes translations in 52 languages, significantly expanding access for non-English-speaking visitors.

“Bloomberg Connects has provided us with an incredible opportunity to significantly expand language accessibility and deepen how visitors engage with our exhibits, at no cost to visitors or the Museum,” said Emily Zinn, Director of Education. “Whether someone is standing in our galleries or exploring from home, this guide opens up entirely new ways to experience the Museum of Boulder.”

In tandem with the Bloomberg Connects launch, the Museum is also introducing PastPerfect Online, a public-facing digital collections portal that allows users to explore thousands of photographs, artifacts, documents, and archival materials from the Museum of Boulder’s collection. Many of these objects are not currently on display, offering unprecedented digital access to the breadth of Boulder’s history.

Together, Bloomberg Connects and PastPerfect Online reflect the Museum’s broader vision for digital access by meeting audiences where they are, removing barriers to engagement, and ensuring Boulder’s stories are preserved and shared widely.

Bloomberg Connects offers free digital guides to cultural organizations around the world and is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding commitment to supporting digital innovation in the arts. With dynamic content exclusive to each partner organization, the platform provides video, audio, text, expert commentary, and way-finding maps.

Direct links for accessing the Museum of Boulder’s digital platforms are listed below.

• Mobile App Download
• Main Link to Our App
• Accessibility Link
• Boulder Experience Exclusive Content and Translations Link
• Scavenger Hunt for Kids in the Boulder Experience Link
• Historic Photographs Link
• Collections Link
• PastPerfect Online Link

Follow Bloomberg Connects on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for updates on new guide launches, exhibit highlights, and more. The Bloomberg Connects app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X.

About the Museum of Boulder:

Founded in 1944 as the Boulder Historical Society, the Museum of Boulder is an arts and cultural institution that showcases the remarkable accomplishments of Boulder through innovative exhibits, programs, and social engagement. Located on the corner of Pine and Broadway at 2205 Broadway, the institution serves as a private nonprofit holding over 44,000 objects in its collection of Boulder’s history. The Museum features the AASLH National award winning gallery, The Boulder Experience highlighting the area’s innovators, scientists, athletes, artists, natural foods, and high tech interactives. The venue offers event spaces throughout the building and on its scenic view rooftop, making the Museum a unique community hub and resource venue.

Museum of Boulder Hours of Operation:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Museum of Boulder at Tebo Center

2205 Broadway

Boulder, CO 80302

303-449-3464

museumofboulder.org

THE MISSION OF THE MUSEUM OF BOULDER:

History happens here. The Museum of Boulder showcases inclusive community stories, preserves them for the future, and inspires all of us to effect positive change.

CURRENT EXHIBITS:

• Boulder EATS! Food Traditions Along the Front Range | Main Gallery
• Boulder Chamber: 120 Years of Purpose, Progress, and Partnership | The Lodge
• The Boulder Experience Gallery | National Award-Winning
• Playzeum | Garden Level
• Google Garage

MUSEUM OF BOULDER:

Website: museumofboulder.org

Connect: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

CONTACTS:

EMILY ZINN

Director of Education, Museum of Boulder

emily@museumofboulder.org

303.449.3464, x03

ELIZABETH NOSEK

Curator of Collections & Exhibits, Museum of Boulder

elizabeth@museumofboulder.org

720.978.8531

SAVANNAH SNODY

Communications Coordinator, Museum of Boulder

savannah@museumofboulder.org

303.449.3464, x10

JULIETTE LEON BARTSCH

Director of Development & Marketing, Museum of Boulder

juliette@museumofboulder.org

720-210-7920

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The post Museum of Boulder Expands Digital Access with New Online Collections and Multilingual Museum Guide appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.