Events
Programs and Events
Did you miss any of our live programs?
Some recordings are available to the general public at no cost, while some are only available to members. Now is a great time to join, as we’re constantly releasing new and exclusive material. Call 303-278-3557 if you have any questions or if you want to join by phone. You can also reach us electronically.
After enjoying story time presented by the Golden Library on the grass outside the museum, visit the museum for free hands-on activities from 10:30 a.m. – noon! Activities are free, as is admission to the museum. Stop by and enjoy playing and learning!
Please visit the Golden Library’s website for more information about story time. No sign-up required to visit the museum.
Photo: Povy Kendal Atchison
Pricing
Free
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind-the-scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Homestead Open House
Interested in seeing sparks fly at the blacksmith shop, taking a lesson at schoolhouse, or watching the Pearce/Helps Cabin woodstove in action? Visit the Golden History Park, adjacent to downtown Golden, the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. from June – August to see all that and more!
During these three family-friendly events, you will be able to participate in hands-on activities, learn about pioneer history from our interpreters, and see special demonstrations. Homestead Open House is free and drop-in style; there is no registration. Experience history in action!
What’s in Golden History Park?
The History Park is home to many of the original buildings from the old Pearce Ranch in Golden Gate Canyon. Stroll through the park and imagine yourself growing potatoes or raising chickens as part of a homesteading family. Peek through the windows of real 1800s cabins and see other buildings from the ranch like the barn, chicken coop and two-seat outhouse. You’ll also see the 1876 Guy Hill schoolhouse at the park. It was moved to Golden in 1976. Read more here.
Location and Pricing
Golden History Park
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; drop in anytime
Free for all
Membership
GHM&P membership pays for itself with attendance at just a few programs. Memberships start at $40 and all levels include a 10% discount at our gift shop, which features books about Golden as well as crafts from local artisans. The best value starts at the Patron level ($125) and includes reciprocal admission and benefits at hundreds of North American museums from both of these networks: North American Reciprocal Museums (1,170 participating museums) and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (more than 410). Join us today.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Reimagining Post-Industrial Golden
Register on eventbrite.
In the late twentieth century, cities that were once home to industrial hubs had their populations decline as more Americans moved to the suburbs. To entice tourists back into post-industrial places, city planners, business leaders, and political actors began a decades long process of reimagining industrial zones. Tourists wielding cameras, parking meters, and gift shops replaced smelters, factory workers, and mills. This conversation addresses how Golden repurposed some its own industries into tourist attractions and transformed itself from a thriving but smaller town to a preferred tourist destination.
About the presenter: Bianca Barriskill
Bianca Barriskill is a public history graduate student at the University of Colorado Denver. Her academic focus is American capitalism, and her working thesis is a history of the environmental justice surrounding Denver’s Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. This year Bianca is looking forward to co-publishing a paper with her brother, Jay, who is also a graduate student of the sociology department at the University of Colorado Denver.
Pricing
Free for members; $10 plus online registration fee for non-members
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
This summer, the Golden History Museum & Park is introducing “Evening at the Museum.” During June, July, and August, the museum will be open late on the fourth Thursday of each month. Stop by the museum those evenings from 5 – 7 p.m. for hands-on activities, artifact highlights, and the chance to chat with a curator.
As always, museum admission is free. We look forward to welcoming you!
In the meantime, check out the free online collection and look for some of your favorite artifacts to discuss in-person that evening. Come prepared with your best questions and we’ll see if we can find some answers!
Pricing
Free
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us. Memberships start at $40 and all levels include a 10% discount at our gift shop which features books about Golden as well as crafts from local artisans. The best value starts at the Patron level ($125) and includes reciprocal admission and benefits at hundreds of North American museums from both of these networks: North American Reciprocal Museums (1,170 participating museums), and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (more than 410).
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind-the-scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
After enjoying story time presented by the Golden Library on the grass outside the museum, visit the museum for free hands-on activities from 10:30 a.m. – noon! Activities are free, as is admission to the museum. Stop by and enjoy playing and learning!
Please visit the Golden Library’s website for more information about story time. No sign-up required to visit the museum.
Photo: Povy Kendal Atchison
Pricing
Free
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind-the-scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Homestead Open House
Interested in seeing sparks fly at the blacksmith shop, taking a lesson at schoolhouse, or watching the Pearce/Helps Cabin woodstove in action? Visit the Golden History Park, adjacent to downtown Golden, the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. from June – August to see all that and more!
During these three family-friendly events, you will be able to participate in hands-on activities, learn about pioneer history from our interpreters, and see special demonstrations. Homestead Open House is free and drop-in style; there is no registration. Experience history in action!
What’s in Golden History Park?
The History Park is home to many of the original buildings from the old Pearce Ranch in Golden Gate Canyon. Stroll through the park and imagine yourself growing potatoes or raising chickens as part of a homesteading family. Peek through the windows of real 1800s cabins and see other buildings from the ranch like the barn, chicken coop and two-seat outhouse. You’ll also see the 1876 Guy Hill schoolhouse at the park. It was moved to Golden in 1976. Read more here.
Location and Pricing
Golden History Park
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; drop in anytime
Free for all
Membership
GHM&P membership pays for itself with attendance at just a few programs. Memberships start at $40 and all levels include a 10% discount at our gift shop, which features books about Golden as well as crafts from local artisans. The best value starts at the Patron level ($125) and includes reciprocal admission and benefits at hundreds of North American museums from both of these networks: North American Reciprocal Museums (1,170 participating museums) and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (more than 410). Join us today.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
This summer, the Golden History Museum & Park is introducing “Evening at the Museum.” During June, July, and August, the museum will be open late on the fourth Thursday of each month. Stop by the museum those evenings from 5 – 7 p.m. for hands-on activities, artifact highlights, and the chance to chat with a curator.
As always, museum admission is free. We look forward to welcoming you!
In the meantime, check out the free online collection and look for some of your favorite artifacts to discuss in-person that evening. Come prepared with your best questions and we’ll see if we can find some answers!
Pricing
Free
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us. Memberships start at $40 and all levels include a 10% discount at our gift shop which features books about Golden as well as crafts from local artisans. The best value starts at the Patron level ($125) and includes reciprocal admission and benefits at hundreds of North American museums from both of these networks: North American Reciprocal Museums (1,170 participating museums), and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (more than 410).
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind-the-scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Food Preservation Class with Aaron “Hutch” Hutchings
There are two different classes from which to choose (9 am – noon or 1 – 4 pm). Make your selection on eventbrite.
Food Preservation
Join Colorado native and expert survivalist Aaron “Hutch” Hutchings for a class on food preservation. During this three-hour workshop, participants will learn simple food preservation techniques and can take home some of the food they preserve. Each participant must purchase a ticket in advance. Cost of supplies included in ticket price. Activities will take place primarily outdoors and in the Pearce Cabin at the History Park. The workshop will be run twice during the day. Suitable for age 16 and older.
Aaron Hutchings is a Colorado native, veteran, and father of four. He was raised in the Rocky Mountains by a real mountain man and hunting guide he called Grandpa. Hutch joined the Boy Scouts of America and later the United States Marine Corps where he became a K9 handler and was attached to Special Operations. While in the military, Hutch had the opportunity to train and teach unique skill sets in multiple environments, and he realized his love for teaching. After completing courses with some of the most recognized outdoor programs in the country, Hutch understood that most outdoor enthusiasts can’t afford the time or expense of travelling the country to acquire the diverse skills offered by multiple schools. This sparked the idea of becoming a lifetime student and full-time instructor. Hutch’s incredible generosity, broad skill set, and hilarious storytelling allows adventurers, regardless of background or experience level, to have a truly unique experience in the wild.
What’s in Golden History Park?
The History Park is home to many of the original buildings from the old Pearce Ranch in Golden Gate Canyon. Stroll through the park and imagine yourself growing potatoes or raising chickens as part of a homesteading family. Peek through the windows of real 1800s cabins and see other buildings from the ranch like the barn, chicken coop and two-seat outhouse. You’ll also see the 1876 Guy Hill schoolhouse at the park. It was moved to Golden in 1976. Read more here.
Membership
GHM&P membership pays for itself with attendance at just a few programs. Memberships start at $40 and all levels include a 10% discount at our gift shop, which features books about Golden as well as crafts from local artisans. The best value starts at the Patron level ($125) and includes reciprocal admission and benefits at hundreds of North American museums from both of these networks: North American Reciprocal Museums (1,170 participating museums) and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (more than 410). Join us today.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Western Night at the Museum
Wear your best western garb and dusty boots to Western Night at the Museum. Bring your friends and enjoy a truly Golden night out while supporting the Friends of Golden History Museum & Park. For this fundraiser, the Museum will be transformed into a rustic atmosphere of Golden’s past while featuring today’s fun and excitement!
• tasty BBQ from Seasoned Swine
• Coors beer to complement dinner
• delicious local desserts from Soozy’s Sweets
• live music from Golden’s own Derek Hall
• rope twirlers from the Westernaires
• exciting door prizes from Golden merchants
Membership
GHM&P membership pays for itself with attendance at just a few programs. Memberships start at $40 and all levels include a 10% discount at our gift shop, which features books about Golden as well as crafts from local artisans. The best value starts at the Patron level ($125) and includes reciprocal admission and benefits at hundreds of North American museums from both of these networks: North American Reciprocal Museums (1,170 participating museums) and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (more than 410). Join us today.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Autumn Fest 2022
Autumn Fest is a free celebration of Golden featuring hands-on activities for the whole family, including crafts, big trucks, and even farm animals. Join us to welcome the fall season at Golden History Museum (923 10th St.), proudly sponsored by:
O’Sullivan Personal Injury Law Firm
Golden Downtown Development Authority
Free and Low-Cost Family Activities
- chalk art
- hourly puppet shows (plus hands-on stations to make your own show)
- 4-H petting zoo
- craft stations
- BIG TRUCKS (Streets, Fire, and Police Departments)
- costumed Civil War interpretation
- karate demonstration
- hands-on paper-making station
- Westernaires pony rides ($3 per ride)
2022 Partners
- Colorado Volunteer Infantry Group
- Westernaires
- 4-H
- GoFarm
- Mines Museum of Earth Science
- Golden Library
- Foothills Art Center
- Golden Street, Police, and Fire Departments
- Golden Public Art Commission
- Lane Academy of Martial Arts
2022 Sponsors
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Autumn Fest Gallery
Location and Pricing
Golden History Museum and Golden History Park
Free
Registration
Unlike most GHM&P programs, there is no registration for Autumn Fest.
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
Golden Cemetery Tour 2022
Register now on eventbrite
Visit the graves of legendary Golden characters with storyteller Barb Warden.
Tours begin and end at the Golden Cemetery. This program sells out every year, so get your tickets early. This is a rain-or-shine event; weather will not force a cancellation.
You will select your tour time on the Eventbrite page.
Two tours are available:
-
11:00 a.m.
-
1:00 p.m.
Registration is required. Program will be canceled if minimum attendance number is not reached 24 hours prior to start time.
Register on eventbrite.
Pricing
$5 members; $10 non-members, plus online registration fee
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
About Golden Cemetery
The City of Golden owns and operates the Golden Cemetery. Among the historic notables buried here is George West. West, a Golden founder, started the Colorado Transcript newspaper in 1866.
Additionally, Seth Lake, builder of Astor House in 1867, is buried in the Golden Cemetery. Many other pioneers and characters of the early west are at rest here.
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
History Trivia Night
In-person event. Register on eventbrite.
Build a team and join us at the museum for a special history trivia night! There will be themed categories about both Golden and Colorado.
Teams (of no more than 4) will test their knowledge and vie for the title of champion.
Advance registration is required. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Pricing
$20 per team for members, $30 per team for non-members
Membership
Membership pays for itself with just a few programs for your family. Join us.
More Golden history
Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.
How to register
Click the green ticket button in the upper left of each event to buy tickets online. 
Click “read more” in the lower right of each event for details. 
Event and Program Ticketing Policies at Golden History Museum & Park
(updated 11-20-18).
Please note: Tickets will only be available at the door if the program reaches its preregistration minimum.
Weather: All events are rain or shine. Tickets will not be refunded for any inclement weather including but not limited to snow, wind, rain or extreme temperatures.
Cancellation: GHM&P reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason. A full refund will occur automatically and notification sent if GHM&P cancels a program for any reason.
Refunds: Participants will not receive a refund except in the event that GHM&P cancels the program.
Facilities: Restrooms are not available on-site at the Golden History Park or Golden Cemetery. If at the Golden History Park, participants may use public restrooms located on 12th Street. Please call ahead to ask about accessibility concerns and mobility recommendations.
Additional details: Please note the minimum age requirements of some of our programs. Excessive disruptive behavior and any safety risks may result in a participant being asked to leave a program at the instructor’s discretion. Pets are not permitted at programs; service animals are permitted.
To purchase tickets, cancel your registration, or learn more about our events and ticketing policy, please call the Golden History Museum front desk during business hours at 303-278-3557.