Special to the HT
When we first began planning Meeker’s America 250–Colorado 150 celebration, we called our collection of ideas a “wish list.” It was never intended to be a rigid calendar or a promise that every project would be completed at once. It was a vision of what might be possible if funding, volunteers, community organizations and good partnerships came together.
Seven months into 2026, that vision is becoming real.
One of our greatest successes has been hosting the Smithsonian traveling exhibition “AMERICANS” at the White River Museum. Approximately 1,500 people visited during the exhibition, with more than 60 percent coming from surrounding communities. Many were first-time museum visitors, and many spent additional time in downtown Meeker, exploring shops, having a meal or staying for the weekend. The exhibit gave us an opportunity to explore national identity, Native imagery, popular culture and the many complicated ways Americans have told our shared story.
The Museum is also participating in Passports Through History, and new membership cards have been created. The Garrison kiosk was installed, Black History Month programming was shared, and new visitor materials have helped connect the Museum with the Milk Creek Battlefield and other historic sites. Behind the scenes, volunteers and staff have also invested many hours in cleaning, organizing, researching, welcoming visitors and preparing our historic buildings for a very busy year.
The July 3 Milk Creek Battlefield Tour was another important milestone. Ute Spiritual Leader Larry Cesspooch blessed the site with songs and prayers, Ute Spokeswoman Percel Cesspooch shared her perspective, and local historians helped tell the story. That gathering represented exactly what we hoped 250/150 could become: not simply a celebration of dates, but an opportunity to listen, learn, acknowledge difficult history and build better relationships.
We have not completed everything on the wish list, and that is all right. Several projects remain underway, including additional interpretive signs, historic designation work, the Fairfield kiosk, local history publications, youth and school activities, and expanded interpretation of ranching, sheep, wool, Ute history and the many cultures that shaped the White River Valley. Other ideas—including games, public programs, evening events and community art—will move forward as time, funding and volunteers allow.
There is still much to come. Buffalo Soldiers programming, sheep and wool history will be experienced during Meeker Sheepdog Trials. Fall museum events, cemetery interpretation, calendars, coloring books and continued work at our historic sites are among the projects being developed. We also hope to keep building partnerships with community organizations, schools, ranching families, tribal representatives, artists and volunteers.
Community members can still help by volunteering, sharing photographs and stories, attending programs, sponsoring projects or simply inviting someone new to visit the Museum.
The greatest success of 250/150 so far is not any single exhibit, sign or event. It is the growing recognition that Meeker’s history belongs to all of us. Every volunteer hour, donated story, family photograph, sponsorship, visitor and community partnership has helped turn a wish list into a living celebration.
We are proud of how far we have come—and we are not finished yet.
By TERESIA ROSE REED