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Encouraged by civil rights movements of the 1960s, the Disability Rights Movement gained momentum leading to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Decades earlier in 1978, 19 individuals tossed aside their wheelchairs and blocked city buses deemed inaccessible for the physically disabled. Discover how this one act led to years of advocacy in Colorado and inspired the nation.

The famous Oscar Wilde quote “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life” holds little truth in Colorado. With magnificent landscapes located across the state, artists and pioneers could not help but replicate the sights before them. From the documentary art of early expeditions, to the celebratory art of the iconic bronco busting cowboy, discover the backstory of 250 years of American Art.

Built high in the Rockies, Camp Hale was the training grounds for the famed 10th Mountain Division in WWII. Their brave service is honored at what remains from Camp Hale. The site remains significant not only for preservation but for conservation and recreation. As veterans visit this hallowed site, we are reminded of the many legacies created by the men who trained at Camp Hale.

The Strater Hotel has hosted Durango visitors for over a century. With its eye-catching brickwork and white sandstone decorating the exterior and its collection of American Victorian-era furniture, guests today can experience its long history. Discover the many stories the extravagant halls of this southwestern hotel tell.

Magic Mountain has been renowned for its abundance of historic treasures ever since miners first looted it in the late 19th century. For decades now, scientists have attempted to uncover the ancient stories of Colorado at this fascinating site that reveals human history in layers of time. Researchers have now invited their neighbors to dig into this place, too. From looting to citizen science.

Quench your curiosity and learn how thirsty miners started a Liquid Gold Rush that began Colorado's journey to become the Beer State.

The 1910's marked the early years of tourism to Colorado's front range and quickly, promoters presented the surrounding mountains as magnificent park attractions. Today, forty-six public parks make up the Denver Mountain Parks system. Meet those who had the foresight to preserve these epic spaces and understand why it is vital to preserve them for Coloradans and tourists alike.

Colorado and the west are where American mountain biking began. From the Denver Athletic Club's Pikes Peak summit on bicycles in 1891, to Buffalo Soldiers' riding to Yellowstone in 1897, mountain biking has long had a place in Colorado. With its modern debut in 1978, Crested Butte has led the state in creating single track and inspiring other towns to cater to this now Olympic sport.

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado "has more than 1,000 ghost towns, over 600 of which have some sort of remains." Visit St. Elmo, Animas Forks, and Ashcroft, three of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state, and meet the spirits of Colorado's mining past.

On November 7, 1893, Colorado became the first state in the nation to grant women's suffrage by popular vote, a result of nearly 15 years of struggle and dedication.

When the skies opened on July 31, 1979, few anticipated this summer storm would result in the deadliest flash flood in Colorado's recorded history.

After 90 years, the construction of Interstate 70 was completed in 1992. The award-winning final Glenwood Canyon segment spans 12 miles and is an architectural and engineering feat that also preserved the canyon’s remarkable environment. Today, it is widely considered one of the most scenic natural features of the United States’ Interstate Highway System.

Starting as a small collection of caged animals in 1896, the Denver Zoo has transformed into a conservation and education-driven institution that is recognized worldwide. Anchored by the transformative 1918 Bear Mountain exhibit, the zoo has developed in design and exhibitry for over a century. Witness a century of the zoo’s evolution in both science and design to become the institution we know today.

Like so many other areas across Colorado, Park County experienced intense mining booms—and sudden busts, leaving towns to deteriorate. But through bold innovation, the county’s history would be preserved—by cleverly transplanting 19th century buildings. The South Park City Museum stands as a tangible microcosm of Colorado’s past while modeling a unique approach to preservation.

Born into slavery, Barney Ford escaped at 26 and endured racism, fires, and mining claim jumping to become one of only 46 African Americans in the Colorado Territory. Undeterred, he became one of the richest men in the state as a miner, barber, restaurateur, and hotel owner—a true entrepreneur—all while fighting endlessly for Black rights.

A printing press in the Old West was considered to be a "civilizer." So when the newspaper in the tiny town of Mancos imported a high-end printer from back East in 1911, it was the beginning of a real community. 100 years after the Cranston Press first hit Mancos, a wild twist of fate led to its re-discovery and restoration. Now this incredibly rare press is back - creating a new community.

Ever since Western settlers dreamed of deserts in bloom, men have chased the mirage of more water than these arid lands can provide. "Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting" describes the urgent struggle every generation of Coloradans faces to control this fleeting resource-creating hydrodynamic history through structures that can propel water to run uphill toward money, and power.

Humans have had a relationship with forests for eons. But today, Colorado's forests are changing, potentially altering this intrinsic connection. Follow scientists and historians as they work to understand this transformation. Decipher tree rings, analyze aerial imagery, and learn of Colorado's long history to unroot the causes and consequences of Colorado's changing forests.

Discover one of the oldest downhill ski "resorts" in Colorado, celebrating 80 years in the 2019-2020 winter season. Monarch has been giving families, thrill seekers and mountain lovers a place to play since 1939. See this small resort's big part in making Colorado a global destination for downhill skiers and a multi billion-dollar industry.

In so many ways, the story of Colorado is the story of mining. And Creede stands as one of the last mining towns of its kind. So many mines and their legacies were abandoned over the years - and nearly lost forever. But a handful of heroes have staked a claim on history by preserving these sites. From mining boom towns to ghost towns - it's all here.

The son of a tubercular mother and an alcoholic father, Ben Nighthorse Campbell persevered to become one of America’s most interesting leaders. From high school dropout to Olympic athlete… from artist to the United States Senator from Colorado… Ben has amassed a collection of identities, but none so important as the one he was ceremonially given by his father’s Northern Cheyenne tribe: Nighthorse.

In the late 1850s, prospects of gold lured miners to the intersection of the Platte River & Cherry Creek. It was here that Auraria, later to become “West Denver,” was born. Explore the origins of Denver through its oldest neighborhood and see how this culturally-rich community fought against urban renewal and is now home to several historic buildings and a thriving campus of opportunity.

Wander through the extravagant halls of the Redstone Castle and meet the creator who forged an empire atop the remote and rugged Rocky Mountains.

Ride into the "bloody grass" battlefields of the Old West's longest feud over grazing and water rights and witness the gunfights, court cases, and massacres that gave rise to the classic American contest of cowboy versus sheepman.

Fannie Mae Duncan brought the motto “Everybody Welcome” to true meaning at her Colorado Springs Cotton Club from 1948 to 1975, despite the volatile Civil Rights Movement of the day. The granddaughter of slaves and the daughter of tenant farmers, Fannie Mae stood for harmony and maintained the first racially integrated club in the city.

Discover how lodging has changed with transportation throughout Colorado. From stage coaches and railroads, to the autobus and eventually cars, tourists have increasingly flocked to Colorado's mountains. Venture to Grand Lake and Steamboat to discover the history behind some of the favorite places to stay while making a mountain escape.

Located near Great Sand Dunes national park, the Trujillo Homestead and The Medano Zapta Ranch have a history dating back to Paleo Indians, with early Spanish explorers, New Mexican sheep herders and cattle ranchers settling the area in the 1800s. Today, these National Historic Landmarks provide a window to the past and a sanctuary for many wetland birds, rare plants and insects, cattle and bison.

Explore Colorado's history of Aviation and meet the inspiring individuals who have shaped an industry.

Take a ride on the Galloping Goose, seven operational railcars that ran through the rugged San Juan mountains from 1931 to 1952. Carrying cargo, mail, and passengers, these "motors" connected Dolores, Telluride, and Ridgeway with many locations along the Rio Grand Southern Railroad. Discover their mechanical and weather-related adventures and why they attract visitors from around the world.

Evidence of prehistoric mammals and early humans have been discovered across Colorado. Lamb Spring in Douglas County is home to the largest collection of Colombian mammoth bones in the state, offering archaeological insight into these prehistoric dwellers. The discoveries of Lindenmeier near Ft. Collins and Mountaineer in Gunnison reveal much about the people who lived here over 10,000 years ago.

From the Grand Dragon to known KKK appointees in the police, mayor's and governor's offices, Colorado once had the 2nd largest Klu Klux Klan Membership in the United States. Discover the sordid history of the KKK in Colorado and the impact they had on Catholics, Jews and African Americans in early 1920s, and the courageous individuals who fought against their establishment.

During the time of racial segregation, Lincoln Hills, the only all African-American resort west of the Mississippi River, provided a shelter from the storm.

Born with two strikes against her, Dr. Justina Ford overcame barriers of race and gender to become the first African-American woman to practice medicine in Colorado and delivered over 7,000 babies.

From exotic animals to opposing prohibition, nothing was too extraordinary for the entrepreneur dubbed a master "promoter" and his sophisticated wife. Delve into the affluent life of Colorado Springs' pioneering couple.

Discover the rags-to-riches story of one of Colorado's most pioneering families, both in business and philanthropy.

From the beginning of its settlement, Colorado has demonstrated a legacy of giving and philanthropy.

Initially only a single building in the middle of a 30-acre plot of land near Cañon City, Colorado’s first prison was erected in 1868 before statehood. Colorado’s history of imprisonment has taken a turbulent journey through rebellions, riots, and escapes. The story of Old Max and its architectural journey tells the story of changing attitudes towards crime, justice and punishment.

From a wealthy, getaway tourist town, to a gold rush epicenter; to a tuberculosis respite, to the home of five military installations — the built landscape of Colorado Springs reflects its history of major industries and economic drivers. As the city celebrates 150 years, we revisit preserved, revitalized — and destroyed — iconic buildings. And ask: How can we create the future and honor the past?

In early June of 1921, Pueblo experienced a devastating flood that destroyed much of the downtown area. The very river that formerly brought life and sustenance to the region now left death and destruction in its wake. A century later the river has been tamed by a dam and a levee, and the Historical Arkansas River Project is the centerpiece of an urban renewal effort that is changing the face of a city.

The boom and bust of a homesteading community on Colorado's eastern plains.

While American troops were fighting abroad in World War II, over 7500 Japanese-Americans found themselves interned in the Granada War Relocation Center.

Colorado's once industrial capital has long been the battleground for competing countries and interests.

Colorado's top lawyers and historians unravel the unintended consequences of the state's constitution.

Flying an AT-6 trainer plane in World War II was only the beginning of Grand Junction resident Annabelle Craft Moss's inspirational life.

During the height of the Fur Trade, Bent's Fort was a great western hub of commercial and cultural exchange.

Discover The Ute Nation, the original residents of Colorado and their lasting impact on the state.

The first 150 years of the University of Denver are explored in this Colorado Experience.

Uncover the secrets of the United States Air Force Academy with a look at the significant events, landmarks and accomplishments throughout its first 60 years.

Explore the humble beginnings of the Colorado native who came out of the mining towns of the Rocky Mountains to become the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion: the Manassa Mauler, Jack Dempsey.

The Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant manufactured the plutonium trigger used in every nuclear weapon produced in the United States. Discover the local impact of a global conflict.

Take part in the largest gathering in Colorado history. Pope John Paul II's visit to Colorado in 1993 drew participants from all over the country - and the world.

Discover the legacy of Clyde Smaldone, the head of Denver's most notorious organized crime syndicate.

Explore the roots, the art, the injustice and the empowerment of Colorado's Chicano Movement.

Relive the War of the Currents. Discover the eccentric personalities racing to spark history in Telluride.

Relive the War of the Currents and discover the eccentric personalities racing to spark history in Telluride.

Explore the booming 1866 town on the Eastern Plains and the colorful characters who lived there until tragedy struck in the 1880s.

From opium Joss Houses and Lydia E. Pinkham's Tonic to the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, discover the early addictions of the west.

As El Paso County's first sheriff, Rankin Scott Kelly helped pursue the Espinosa Brothers and found himself in numerous shootouts with notorious outlaws.

From rodeos and parades to auctions and cowboy art, discover the globally known event that has occurred annually since 1906.

Meet the controversial Mayor who's City Beautiful vision built Denver's Civic Center Park and parkway system in the last 1890s.

Examine the lasting impact of the cultural, artistic, and architectural contributions of Colorado's First Town.

Discover the glamorous Hollywood-style movie theaters that served as social hubs from 1910 to the 1950s.