History Colorado Center

Have you ever wondered what a time machine ride through Colorado’s past would be like? The History Colorado Center in Denver offers just that. The History Colorado Center isn’t just a building. It’s a living portal, connecting us to the vibrant tapestry of Colorado’s past. Opened in 2012 on Broadway, this $111 million marvel replaced the older Colorado History Museum. Inside, the “Time Machine” exhibit greets you. A massive map of Colorado sprawls across the floor, paired with a steampunk-inspired contraption. Move the device over different regions, and screens flicker to life. They reveal captivating stories from that area’s past. Ever wondered about the Ancestral Puebloans who once called this land home? The History Colorado Center’s “Living West” exhibit transports you to their world at Mesa Verde. Explore their daily lives through dioramas and ancient pottery. Feel the grit of the Dust Bowl era. Experience the infamous Black Sunday storm of the 1930s, a stark reminder of the hardships faced by homesteading Coloradans. The “Destination Colorado” exhibit whisks you away to the ghost town of Keota. Walk through a replica of this early 1900s town. Explore the general store and the one-room schoolhouse, hearing the stories of real Keota residents brought to life by actors. The History Colorado Center doesn’t shy away from difficult stories either. “Colorado Stories” offers a sobering look at the Granada War Relocation Center. This internment camp housed Japanese-Americans during World War II. Walk through a replica of the cramped living quarters, a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in American history. The History Colorado Center isn’t just about the past; it’s about understanding the present. It’s about the people, the environment, and the events that have shaped Colorado into the state it is today. From the mountains to the plains, the History Colorado Center offers a journey through time, a celebration of Colorado’s rich and complex history.