Glimpses of Golden Opens at Golden History Museum
GOLDEN, Colo., February 27, 2026 – A new long-term exhibit, Glimpses of Golden, is now open at Golden History Museum, offering visitors a series of vivid snapshots into the people, places, and moments that shaped the community.
Rather than telling one continuous story, Glimpses of Golden invites guests to encounter compelling artifacts and narratives spanning more than 160 years of local history.
Among the highlights is the story of Magic Mountain, a short-lived 1960 western-themed amusement park that later evolved into Heritage Square. Once envisioned as a 600-acre destination in the foothills, the park’s dramatic rise and fall reflects Golden’s long history of ambition and reinvention.
Another section explores Golden’s agricultural past during the “Golden Age” of pomology, when orchards flourished across the region. Visitors will discover how irrigation from Clear Creek and nutrient-rich soil supported thousands of apple trees. It even inspired the crowning of a Jefferson County Apple Queen in the early 20th century.
Glimpses also features a remarkable 1860s pewter teapot associated with early settler Jonas Wannemaker and his family. Recovered from a burned cabin and repaired with a copper ring, the object serves as a tangible reminder of both hardship and perseverance on the Colorado frontier.
Twentieth-century stories are represented as well, including the musical legacy of Ellyn Rucker (pictured at right), the Golden-based pianist and vocalist inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2024. From local church performances to international jazz festivals, Rucker’s career underscores Golden’s often-surprising cultural reach.
“We chose objects that each tell a powerful story on their own,” said curator Stephanie Gilmore. “Whether it’s a handmade fake paper gun from the county jail, a silver water service set from the Victorian era, or a jazz album recorded decades later, these artifacts help us see Golden’s history as deeply human, complex, and continually evolving.”
Glimpses of Golden is included with free admission to the museum. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Golden History Museum & Park engages and inspires visitors by preserving and sharing Golden’s history.