As we are sure you have heard, this year Meeker will join communities across Colorado and the nation in recognizing two historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and Colorado’s 150th birthday. Locally referred to as AM250/CO150, or Sesquisemquincentennial, the commemoration is being shaped not as a single event or fixed schedule, but as a flexible, evolving collection of ideas that can move forward as funding, volunteers, and partnerships come together.
The AM250/CO150 Commission has guided communities to form a local organizing committee, which in Meeker, began with the Main Street program under the Meeker Chamber of Commerce. It has evolved from there, rather than functioning as a standing committee with a fixed structure, the local group operates as a flexible coordinating hub, bringing together museum staff, community members, partner organizations, and subject-matter contributors as needed. Its role is to help surface ideas, connect people with shared interests, reduce duplication of effort, and support projects as leadership and resources align. Like the wishlist, the committee is designed to remain adaptive—growing or contracting in response to community energy, volunteer availability, and funding opportunities.
The White River Museum and the Rio Blanco County Historical Society are serving as conveners for the effort, helping to gather ideas, coordinate interest, and invite participation. Each item on the wishlist represents a possibility rather than a promise, reflecting the belief that the most meaningful projects are those embraced and led by the community itself.
The wishlist begins in January with winter traditions and creative engagement. Proposed projects include Skijor Meeker, which has been moved to February due to the weather. Passports Through History is available now on AM250/CO150 at History Colorado. This is free publicity! If you have a lodge, activity, event, restaurant or location in our area that you think people should visit, put in the application to get people to go there.
January also included recognition of Asian American History Month, highlighting Meeker’s Chinese residence and laundry in an article in the Meeker Herald. We will be moving ahead with the Storytelling Initiative as outlined by the commission. The library has already started its Meeker Heritage Club on the third Tuesday of each month. White River Museum Staff will present bits of history with a new theme being selected each month at the library. History Colorado has also produced a curated Colorado history book list, which has been shared with the library.
February wishlist items include Stories That Made Us, a print-on-demand storytelling series, newsroom-style history lectures which are still developing, and a proposed Fairfield Kiosk installation at the library.
Black History Month observances are planned as resources allow. The month also includes aspirational efforts to pursue historic registry designation for multiple historic sites and properties.
Spring ideas focus on hands-on learning and traditional skills, with proposed knife-making, horseshoeing demonstrations, and hat-making presentations. The historic signage on Cemetery Hill is scheduled for completion. April concepts include Paul Revere Day, Museum Murals by Ben Quinn, a Civic Bee, and Portrait of Colorado at 150, all dependent on partnerships, volunteers, and funding.
A major anchor will be the Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Americans” in May and June as part of the Museums on Main Street program. These months also envision presentations involving the Ute Elders, authors, and other historians, as collaboration and support allow.
Summer wishlist concepts include Range Call and possibly a Wine & Spirits Festival. August ideas focus on Buffalo Soldiers history, Mustang makeover, mustang history events, and programming in partnership with the Rio Blanco Pioneer Association.
As September highlights Sheep Dog Trials and Quilt Show, sheep, wool, and textile history, with demonstrations of carding, spinning, weaving, and quilting may be on the horizon. There may even be a drone show! An installation of an expanded storyboard at the Garrison is also envisioned.
October includes wishlist ideas such as a Night at the Museum dinner, a historic Highland Cemetery walk, Dark Sky programming, and expanded AM250/CO150 school tours. November is dedicated to story gathering—capturing community memories and voices for future generations.
Another capstone project is the reprint and publication of The White River Cook Book, originally produced in the early 1900s by the Ladies Aid Society of the M.E. Church in Meeker. This historic book features recipes submitted by women who helped build the community, including Mrs. R.S. Ball, Mrs. D. Walbridge, Myrl H. Oldland, Mrs. Ed I. Manaugh, and Mrs. B.M. Offerle. The reprint edition will include biographical sketches of these women alongside recipes such as A Recipe for Cooking Husbands, Twin Mountain Muffins, and Feathery Flapjacks, preserving both foodways and personal histories.
How to Get Involved
AM250/CO150 is intentionally designed as a community-powered effort.
Individuals, groups, and organizations may:
- Take the lead on a wishlist project that aligns with their mission or interests
- Partner or collaborate to advance an existing idea
- Volunteer time or skills for research, planning, storytelling, or events
- Sponsor or underwrite a specific project, either financially or through in-kind support
- Make a donation to the organization of their choice to help bring a project to life
Projects will move forward as leadership, volunteers, and sponsorships align. Some ideas may happen quickly, others may develop over time, and new ideas are always welcome.
Those interested in participating, sponsoring, or volunteering are encouraged to connect with the White River Museum or the Rio Blanco County Historical Society to explore opportunities.
AM250/CO150 is not about checking boxes—it is about participation. The wishlist reflects a shared belief that Meeker’s history is strongest when it is shaped, supported, and celebrated by the people who live here.