My wife and I have traveled throughout all 50 states, visited parts of Canada, and traveled internationally. Along the way, we have toured museums of every size and description. I was traveling solo today and made my way to the Gilpin History Museum. It may be comparatively small, but it ranks among the best local-history museums we have visited. It is thoughtfully organized, rich in detail, and clearly created by people who care deeply about preserving the area's story.
The recreated "Main Street" is a wonderful introduction to everyday life in an earlier era. Its rooms include a bank, barber shop, saloon, bookstore, doctor's office, pharmacy, grocery store, law office, and the Teller House. Together, they provide an engaging picture of what life and commerce once looked like in these Colorado mountain communities.
The museum also includes an old classroom with an extensive collection of school memorabilia. Its exhibits explain the history of the surrounding communities, the old mining towns, and the railroads that once connected and supported them. The mining collection is particularly impressive. The museum does more than display old tools and equipment--it provides exceptional descriptions explaining what the artifacts were and how miners actually used them.
Then there is the Mountain Submarine exhibit. Yes, you read that correctly: a submarine in Colorado! The Nautilus was tested in Missouri Lake, and its story is one of the museum's most unexpected and memorable features. Having served aboard three submarines during my Navy career, I found this room especially interesting.
My visit was made even better by Colin, the young man working that day. He is obviously bitten by the history bug and possesses a remarkable knowledge of the area. Just as impressive is his broader, well-traveled perspective on the world. He is intelligent, enthusiastic, personable, and a terrific host. Talking with him added real depth and enjoyment to our visit.
The Gilpin History Museum proves that a museum does not have to be enormous to be excellent. This is a top-notch local museum and unquestionably worth a visit. read more