Special to the HT
MEEKER | History is often thought of as something that happened long ago, tucked away in dusty books, old photographs, and museum exhibits. But after spending years working with the Rio Blanco County Historical Society and the White River Museum, I have learned something important: history is not about the past. It is about people. It is about us.
As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado celebrates its 150th birthday, communities across the state are being asked an important question: How will you tell your story?
The America 250 Colorado 150 initiative is more than a celebration. It is a chance to reflect on where we have been, who we are today, and what kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations. It is a chance to recognize the many voices that have shaped this valley—including the Ute people, whose homeland this was long before statehood, the settlers who followed, the ranching families who built livelihoods here, the immigrants who came seeking opportunity, and the countless individuals whose stories have never been fully told.
The truth is that history does not belong to museums. It belongs to everyone.
You do not have to be a historian to get involved. Maybe you have old photographs tucked away in a drawer. Maybe your family has stories passed down around the dinner table. Perhaps you enjoy volunteering, helping with events, greeting visitors, preserving buildings, researching local history, or simply attending programs and learning something new.
The Rio Blanco County Historical Society depends on community members who are willing to share their time, talents, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Whether you volunteer for a special event, serve on a committee, become a member, assist with exhibits, help preserve historic sites, or support our educational programs, you become part of something larger than yourself.
One thing I have learned during my years with the Rio Blanco County Historical Society and as an Advisor for the 250/150 Commission: communication is a two-way street.
For years, we have published articles, sent press releases, posted on social media, hosted public meetings, organized events, and invited community participation. Yet I still occasionally hear someone say, “I didn’t know about that.”
The reality is that no organization, no matter how dedicated, can place information directly into every person’s hands. At some point, each of us must choose to stay connected to the things we care about.
If local history matters to you, I encourage you to follow the museum, read community publications, attend events, ask questions, and share information with your friends and neighbors. Community organizations thrive when people engage with them, not simply when they expect to be informed.
The opportunities are there. The invitation has been extended. The next step belongs to all of us. You become a steward of our community’s memory.
As we continue to embrace the Sesquisemiquincentennial, there will be opportunities to participate in exhibits, lectures, community conversations, heritage tourism projects, school programs, oral history efforts, preservation initiatives, and special events that celebrate the people and places that make Rio Blanco County unique.
Most importantly, this is a chance to ensure that future generations understand not only what happened here, but why it matters. The stories we save today will become the history our grandchildren inherit tomorrow.
If you would like to learn more, volunteer, become a member, share a story, or support our work, visit the White River Museum, attend one of our upcoming events, or follow the Rio Blanco County Historical Society on social media. You can also contact us directly to learn about current projects and volunteer opportunities.
History is not something that belongs to someone else. It belongs to all of us. And the story of Rio Blanco County is still being written.I hope you will help us write the next chapter.
By TERESIA RUCKMAN-REED
