In 2016 Golden History Museum & Park started conceptualizing a new and dynamic exhibit program. Keeping people front and center was a priority, so we designed a gallery dedicated to sharing personal life stories. After all, it’s Golden’s people that make this such a vibrant community.
Portia Masterson, owner and manager of Self-Propulsion, Inc. for 24 years. Portia made this bike “rig” for one of Golden’s many parades.
Legendary People
So many have called this place home: nomadic Native Americans, adventurous miners, cunning politicians, innovative business owners, hard-working students, and curious tourists—we claim you all. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, this gallery is dedicated to you. You may find famous individuals like brewer Adolph Coors and railroad pioneer George Pullman, or lesser-known but just as influential ones like educator Gertrude Bell and Olympic athlete Lindsey Horan.
Martin Luther King, Jr. sums it up well: We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.
21 women featured when museum reopens:
| Georgina Brown | Gertrude Bell |
| Alice Dempsey | Barbara Foss |
| Dorothy Foss | Gudy Gaskill |
| Candy Givens | Mabel Herron |
| Karen Hertz | Pansy Hook |
| Mary Hoyt | Lindsey Horan |
| Verna Katona | Margaret Isely |
| Jean Miller | Portia Masterson |
| Eugenia Mitchell | Vina Ramstetter |
| Juanita Smith | Lorraine Wagenbach |
| Virginia Weigand |
Can’t wait until we open? Watch this interview with Gudy Gaskill from the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame:
Everyone has a story to share. If you know of a Golden mover and shaker we should feature, tell us! Who knows, maybe we’ll feature you someday!
–Mark Dodge, Curator
