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What’s Going on at Golden History Museums?

Golden Music Festival is Golden’s premier outdoor concert

GOLDEN, Colo., April 16, 2013– Bluegrass music fans will be treated to special outdoor performances by nine different bands, including Colorado-based headliner Finnders & Youngberg during the three-day Golden Music Festival at the Clear Creek History Park, Friday through Sunday, June 14-16, 2013.

Described as “rootsy Americana with a scrappy bluegrass kick,” Finnders & Youngberg have won the Telluride and Rockygrass Band contests, been showcased at the International Bluegrass Music Association and Folk Alliance conferences, and won various fiddle and banjo championships.

With their first CD cracking the top five most spun CDs on Colorado radio in 2008, they have “Award‐winning songwriting that makes you laugh, contemplate, sigh, drink, or dance,” says Nina Dropcho, host of a KDNK community radio bluegrass program.

Eight other Colorado acts including Chris Thompson & Coral Creek String Band, The Mile Markers, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, Trout Steak Revival and Golden-favorite Adam Kinghorn Quartet, will join the event on various days for a total of over nine lively hours of bluegrass-inspired music.

The annual Golden Music Festival, formerly called Summer Solstice Music Festival, is in its 17^th year and raises money for Golden History Museums’ hands-on programming and exhibits.

Grass-seating will be on a natural hillside amphitheater, and guests will enjoy a variety of toe-tapping live bluegrass, Americana, and other original sounds. The festival will feature locally made beer, as well as a variety of foods for sale from several local vendors.

Tickets will be available on May 1 at the Golden History Center, 923 10^th St. in Golden. Advance tickets are $10 for members of Golden History Museums, and $15 for non-members. Discounts on multi-day tickets are also available, and single-day admission will cost $20 at the gate. Children 12 and under get in free. More information is available at GoldenHistory.org or by calling 303-278-3557.

Kids Spring into Action With Golden History Museums

GOLDEN, Colo., March 15, 2013 – Golden History Museums has a fun, interactive and educational solution to keep your kids entertained during spring break. Half-day Hands-on History camps will be offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the Jefferson County spring break for kids ages 6-11 years old.

The camp goes from 9 a.m. to noon and will take place at the Astor House Museum, 822 12th St., Golden. Sign up for one or all three at a cost of $30 for non-members and $27 for members of Golden History Museums.

My Story, Tuesday, March 26

How do you fit into Golden’s history? Learn about Golden’s early residents by playing Native American games, German and English cooking and crafts, and writing your name in a different language. Don’t forget to bring the names and birthdates of your parents and grandparents to research and create your very own family tree.

Community Voices, Wednesday, March 27

Kids ages 6-8 will take on the roles of town members in the late 1800s. Campers will work together to complete tasks important to building and preserving their town. Kids ages 9-11 will go deep into the archive to learn about some of the unique laws formerly, and in some cases still, on the books in Golden. They will spend some time in the Golden City Council Chambers bringing down their verdict on real cases from Golden’s past.

Made in Golden: Jolly Rancher, Thursday, March 28

Take a journey through the history of Jolly Rancher, originally located in Golden on Washington Avenue. Kids will make three of Jolly Rancher’s top products: ice cream, chocolate, and the multi-flavored hard candy we recognize today.

Golden History Museums Celebrates Women’s History in Colorado

GOLDEN, Colo., March 1, 2013 – Starting with a lecture series for Women’s History Month and ending with a tour through the 12^th Street Historic District, Golden History Museums celebrates the challenges and triumphs faced by Colorado women from the 1800s through today.

On March 5, Dr. Cathy Skokan will present a lecture about women students and graduates from the Colorado School of Mines, and about the experiences she had while attending classes in the 1970s. Skokan went on to become one of the few female faculty members at the institution.

Then on March 19, Gail M. Beaton, author of Colorado Women, will discuss her new book and the prominent role women have played in Colorado’s history. The book is a full-length chronicle of the lives, roles, and contributions of women from prehistory through modern day.

Finally, on March 27, Peggy Lyon, local musician and member of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, will perform music composed or inspired by Colorado women and speak about the history of the pieces and the connection to Colorado.

On April 6, Golden History Museums will conduct a tour of three homes in the 12th Street Historic District. After meeting at the Astor House Museum, attendees will learn about the homes’ early inhabitants, include Eliza West, draftswoman Alice Gow, and domestic servant Emily French. The tour will include a discussion on architecture and the history of the area.

Tickets are required for all the lectures and the tour, and are only available by calling Golden History Museums at 303-278-3557.

Golden History Museums connects individuals to Golden’s past through historic collections and interactive experiences. Golden History Museums is comprised of the Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and the Golden History Center.

Golden History Museums celebrates 75 Years by Featuring Modern Day History Makers

GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 21, 2013 – To celebrate its 75^th anniversary, Golden History Museums is showcasing the people who are making history in Golden today. Photographic portraits of 15 legendary Goldenites will be on display starting Friday, Feb. 1, at the Golden History Center, 923 10^th St.

“This project was inspired by the first set of portraits done for the original Jefferson County Museum 75 years ago,” said Museum Director Nathan Richie. In the original exhibition, commissioned paintings of William Loveland, George West, and William Sarell, among others, were put on display. Now, those historical paintings will be joined by larger-than-life canvas portraits of some of Golden’s most influential residents of today.

“In commemoration of our 75^th anniversary, we wanted to do something big that would celebrate the diverse individuals in our small community,” said Mark Dodge, curator of Golden History Museums and creator of the exhibit “Face to Face: Contemporary Portraits of Legendary People.”

Those diverse community members include Marvin Kay, Bethany Thomas, Gary Wink, Dr. Cathy Skokan, Heinie Foss, William K. Coors, Thomas J. Mullin, JoAnn Thistlewood, Joseph Coors Jr., Steve Stevens, Dr. Charles Fay, Richard Gardner, Rick Souders, Sal Glesser, and Irma Wyhs.

“We had an overwhelming number of nominations from Golden residents,” remarked Dodge, “so the toughest part was selecting the final 15 subjects.”

The modern portraits were captured by Golden photographer Rick Souders and will be on display throughout 2013.

“Our finalists have big personalities and legendary life-stories.” said Dodge, “We knew that the only way to truly represent them would be on a grand scale.” The canvas portraits each measure three feet square.

A free reception will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, to unveil the portraits at the Golden History Center. Food and beverages will be provided, along with music from members of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. RSVP by calling 303-278-3557, Tuesday through Sunday.

Celebrate the Past in Black and White

GOLDEN, Colo. September 27, 2012 – An exclusive evening preview of 2,000 historic images will be part of the Black and White Night fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Golden History Center, 923 10^th St., Golden, Colo.

“Photographs are one of the best means available for accurately portraying what it was like to be alive in another time,” said museum curator Mark Dodge, “and the Golden History Museums’ collection is a treasure trove that contains almost a century and a half of photographs. The collection we steward includes such varied subject matter as people in parades, landscapes at flood stage, and yes, even donkeys with Castle Rock as a backdrop.”

Black and White Night will mark the launch of an online system for viewing the photography collection. It will also be a fun and festive evening of photography, entertainment and camaraderie. Attendees will be able to peruse their favorite images and buy reproductions that are on display.

“Funds raised from each of the evening’s activities will go directly toward the continued preservation, digitization, and expansion of the collection,” museum director Nathan Richie said. “We’ve also got some amazing items lined up for the silent auction as well.”

The online photography collection is part of the Golden Memories Project, an ambitious and ongoing effort to preserve, grow and make accessible a huge inventory of historic photography. “In a year’s time, museum staff and volunteers have started to digitize the original collection of images, and have doubled the collection size through new acquisitions,” remarked Dodge.

Tickets are $15 ($20 for non-members), or $25 for couples ($35 for non-members.) Themed desserts and local beer and wine will be provided. Register by calling 303-278-3557.

Beginning October 15, the Golden History Museums, City of Golden Photography Collection will be publicly available at GoldenHistory.org/photos.

Face to Face project seeks nominations for Golden’s most influential persons

GOLDEN, Colo., June 28, 2012 – Golden History Museums is seeking nominations for the most influential people in Golden to be included in its Face to Face project which will include a commissioned set of portraits in celebration of the organization’s 75th birthday.

Almost three quarters of a century ago, Golden History Museums (then the Jefferson County Museum) commissioned a set of painted portraits commemorating notable individuals and their contributions to the Golden community. The artwork, which now hangs in the Golden History Center, included the likes of noted historic figures William Loveland, George West, and William Sarell, among others. Museum artist Leila Reece painted the portraits, and carpenter Lesley Beasley hand-carved each frame.

This year Rick Souders, renowned photographer at Souders Studios in Golden, has been selected to create a new set of about 14 portraits for next year’s birthday celebration in February 2013.

Mark Dodge, curator at Golden History Museums, says, “Before Rick can take the portraits, we need to make a list of people and choose the finalists. We need the help of people familiar with Golden’s recent history, so we’re asking Goldenites about the most influential people that are still living. Are they artists and activists, teachers and researchers, politicians or business and industry leaders? Whose ideas and deeds have sparked dialogue and dissent, making Golden the best place in the world to live?”

Nominations will be accepted at www.GoldenHistory.org/F2F, as well as through a special hotline during regular hours at 303-278-3557, until 4:30 p.m. on July 31.

Submissions will be sorted by the following categories: politics, academics/education, religion/spirituality, arts, sciences, athletics, and business/industry. Final selections will be made in August 2012.

MillerCoors Gives Back to Local Community, Honors History

GOLDEN, Colo. April 19, 2011 – Golden History Museums received a $14,000 grant from MillerCoors to support heritage programming at the museums this year.

Funding to Golden History Museums, which operates the Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and Golden History Center, will go towards a number of exciting initiatives in 2011. This sponsorship makes possible the development of a multimedia piece for the new exhibit “Turn it Up: Golden’s Musical Memories.” Once complete, the piece will feature video clips of oral histories, musical performances, and documentary footage of Golden’s musical heritage.

Founded in 1938, Golden History Museums became a part of the City of Golden last year. They receive a percentage of their annual budget from the city, but rely on other revenue sources such as memberships, ticket and gift shop sales, and grants to fulfill their budget. “We are thrilled and honored to receive this support from MillerCoors,” said museum director Nathan Richie. “Their partnership and generosity helps us fulfill our mission to present and preserve Golden’s history for both locals and visitors.”

Funding from MillerCoors also underwrites additional exhibit improvements, as well as the popular Summer Solstice Music Festival held annually at Clear Creek History Park. “This year we are pleased to host an impressive lineup of musical acts including the return of the crowd-favorite Spring Creek Bluegrass Band,” said Doug Skiba, the museum’s development and membership coordinator. “The support from MillerCoors allows us to share this top talent with the Golden community.”

Learn by Doing at the Weeklong Hands-on History Summer Program

GOLDEN, Colo. March 23, 2011 – A larger age range and more choice of subject matter are among the draws for a newly revised Hands-on History Summer Day Camp at Golden History Museums.

New this year is a division into two groups: one for six- to eight-year-olds and the other for nine- to 11-year-olds. This will help keep kids together that have similar learning abilities.

Also new this year is the creation of five new session themes that give participants a different look at life in Golden ranging from the 1870s to the present. Activities include writing, filming, and starring in a silent movie, touring the Golden Fire Station, and getting dressed up for a lesson in our one-room schoolhouse.

Education Curator Jessica Lira commented, “We’re going to have so many new options and programs this year that kids who have participated in the past will have completely new experiences. We’re very excited about the changes.”

Each week, two different themes provide a completely different experience during the morning and afternoon sessions. Multiple weeks are also available.

Eight weeklong sessions will take place from June 6 – August 5 at Clear Creek History Park, located at 11th and Arapahoe Streets, near downtown Golden. The camp is divided into morning and afternoon sessions lasting from 8:30 – 11:30 and 12:30 – 3:30.

Each session is $85 for Golden History Museums members, and $100 for non-members. Register online at GoldenHistoryMuseums.org or by phone, 303-278-3557.

Golden in Focus: Historic Photo Show & Sale

GOLDEN, Colo., November 1, 2010 – Golden in Focus: Historic Photo Show & Sale opens on Dec. 3 at the Golden History Center at 923 10th St., in conjunction with Golden’s Candlelight Walk. Golden History Museums is the City’s oldest museum (we’ll celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2013), and we’re proud to say that we have some pretty cool things in our “attic,” including a fabulous historic photo collection that numbers well over 600 prints. To create Golden in Focus, we invited Scott Dressel-Martin, professional photographer and filmmaker, to examine our collection and help us choose a good selection of images that document Golden’s colorful past.

Our iconic Golden subject matter is as diverse as the 1934 Golden High School Prom and the Colorado & Southern train yard in Golden, to a group shot of Adolf and crew at Coors Brewery and some gorgeous views of the City taken from high atop the Lariat Trail.

You can even purchase a professionally printed copy, and you’ll feel good knowing that the money you’re spending will help us take better care of our growing collection.

If you don’t see anything you like among the 36 photos on display, just wait, because our collection continues to grow. In case you didn’t realize it, we actively collect all photos that document life in Golden. So, if you have some old photos that chronicle life in Golden, please give us a call. We’re specifically looking for snapshots of Magic Mountain and East Tin Cup, among other spots. Call Mark at 303.278.3557 if you think can help.

Learn History From Those Who Lived It

GOLDEN, Colo., September 10, 2010 – A unique opportunity to hear about the history of one of Colorado’s oldest cities, from a group of women who lived through it. “A Woman’s Life in Golden” covers nearly 80 years of Golden history in first-person accounts. The book is filled with 27 different tales from multiple female perspectives, revealing details of life seldom heard of anymore; everything from riding the Lookout Mountain funicular to rationing tires, gas and food during World War II.

Lorraine Wagenbach and Betty Bloom are the only two surviving original writers. They will hold a special lecture and book signing at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Golden History Center, 923 10th St. in Golden. Tickets are $3 for members and $6 for non-members. They will discuss the real-life women whose voices are memorialized in the book.

The surviving authors, as well as historians from Golden History Museums (GHM) are available for interviews to talk about the book. GHM welcomes any opportunity to promote an amazing time in Colorado history.

A Woman’s Life in Golden was originally released in 1980. It is now being re-released by Golden History Museums.

Golden History Museums’ Fundraiser is an Outdoor Hootenanny for Bluegrass Fans

GOLDEN, Colo., June 1, 2010 – Hundreds of music fans will be treated to a special outdoor performance by Spring Creek during the Summer Solstice Music Festival museum fundraiser at the Clear Creek History Park from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010.  The annual Summer Solstice Music Festival is a fundraiser for Golden History Museums’ programming and exhibits.

Featured band Spring Creek is the 2007 Telluride and RockyGrass Festival winner, and the first to win both titles in the same year. They have earned spots at many other regional festivals, and this year will be joined in Golden by two other local bands: Jonny Woodrose & the Broken-Hearted Woodpeckers, and Bonnie and the Beard.

Grass-seating will be on a natural hillside amphitheater, and guests will enjoy a variety of toe-tapping live bluegrass, folk, and Americana music.

Made possible in part by MillerCoors, the festival will feature locally made beer and barbeque for sale.

Advance adult tickets are available now at the Golden History Center and the Astor House Museum for $10, or $9 for GHM members. Adult nonmember tickets will be $12 at the gate. College students with ID get in for $9, youth ages 10-17 cost $5, and children under 10 are free.

The Clear Creek History Park is located at 11th and Arapahoe Streets in Golden.

Golden History Museums connects people to the history of Golden, Colorado through innovative exhibits, dynamic programs and historic collections, and strives to foster a sense of place and build community by being the leading source for local history.

Learn by Doing at the Weeklong Hands-on History Summer Program

GOLDEN, Colo. May 20, 2010 – Kids ages 6-10 will get an up-close and personal experience with history this summer at Clear Creek History Park by spending a day doing old-fashioned chores, sampling 1800s subjects in a one-room schoolhouse, and testing their volunteer firefighter skills.

Other activities include playing vintage baseball for the historic Golden Reds, making old-time crafts and toys, and feeding the chickens.

Seven weeklong sessions will take place from June 7 – July 30 at Clear Creek History Park, located at 11th and Arapahoe Streets, near downtown Golden. The cost is $160 for Golden History Museums members, and $195 for non-members. Register online at GoldenHistoryMuseums.org or by phone, 303-278-3557.

Enjoy Past Pursuits at Clear Creek History Park

Visitors to Golden History Museums this summer will learn about bees, make ice cream, and cook on a woodstove, among other fun activities at Clear Creek History Park.

There’s something different to do every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June through August from 10 am – 3 pm. Check the calendar page at GoldenHistoryMuseums.org, or simply drop-in and see what’s happening at Clear Creek History Park.

Access to Clear Creek History Park and Past Pursuits activities is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

Golden History Museums Moves to City of Golden Management  

GOLDEN, Colo., April. 23, 2010—Effective July 1, 2010, Golden History Museums (GHM) will become a division of the City of Golden, under the Parks and Recreation Department. This transfer of management responsibility was approved by the City Council during their meeting on April 22. Also approved was the formation of a Cultural Services and Museum Advisory Board for the City. This agreement came after months of due diligence and discussion amongst GHM, the City and the many stakeholders of the museums.

Golden History Museums, a non-profit corporation, has been under contract with the City of Golden to manage and operate three historic sites in Golden – Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and the Golden History Center (formerly called the Pioneer Museum) since 2008. Prior to 2008, GHM was known as Friends of Astor House/Clear Creek History Park which managed those two properties for many years. This new agreement will supersede the current operating agreement which runs from 2008 – 2012.

GHM has a clear mission to connect people to the history of Golden through innovative exhibits, dynamic programs and historic collections. The GHM Board of Directors and the City have come to a mutual agreement that the citizens of Golden are best served by having the City directly manage this museum group rather than using a third party museum management company. The key to this decision was the fact that the City owns the properties and artifacts under management by GHM and that is the most typical business arrangement for small municipal museums. Rod Tarullo, Director of Parks, Recreation and Golf for the City applauded the successes of GHM over the past year. “We are indebted to the staff, board and volunteers of GHM for running an efficient and successful museum group which continues to be a source of pride for the Golden community.”

As part of this agreement, the current staff of GHM will stay with the organization and become City employees, continuing their exceptional oversight of the museums. This new contract creates even more opportunities for citizens to be involved in the City’s museums through participation with a new Friends of GHM organization and through a new Advisory Board.