As we move into the AM250/CO150 year, referred to as the Sesquisemiquincentennial, next week, we begin the implementation of the plans that we have been thinking about for a while. Can you believe it is really here? There is just so much going on. Did I mention Drone Shows?
I’m sure that History Colorado and our nation’s capital are all rushing around to make sure they have as many of the moving parts in place as possible and are ready to help us acknowledge and commemorate this historical event. With twelve rather large initiatives set out by the 250/150 Commission, there must be a lot to do.
We have talked about the first two initiatives, Historic Preservation and Statewide Story Telling, but here are a few more. I encourage you to go online to Am250CO150.org.
Educational Film Series: The Land We Call Home
A documentary series designed for Colorado classrooms that will enable teachers to meet Colorado academic standards while students connect to the state’s past through geographically and culturally relevant histories. The films will be distributed via Rocky Mountain PBS, public libraries, and schools.
The project is being led by the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), and History Colorado. The Colorado Department of Education will work with Colorado educators to develop instructional materials for classroom use.
Colorado Statehood Online Exhibit: Curricular Materials for Educators
History Colorado, a trusted partner of Colorado teachers, will create educational materials about Colorado’s historic formation that builds on the energy of the commemoration and an in-person exhibition at the History Colorado Center, titled “38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State.” The teacher-tested curriculum will include a digital version of the exhibition that can be utilized in classrooms, an educator guide with lessons and activities, plus History Colorado’s popular in-person and online professional development for teachers to help them easily implement the program in their classrooms.
The exhibition and curriculum content will feature a panoramic survey of significant events that led to statehood in 1876 and explore gold mining, the vote, and the dispossession of Native American people from their lands as three significant forces behind the foundation of our state.
Publications Highlighting Colorado History
During the 150th anniversary of our state, History Colorado proposes the publication of books, articles, and the expansion of The Colorado Encyclopedia. These will inform new research establishing a renewed shared narrative of our state’s history.
History Colorado proposes a slate of projects aimed at curious Coloradans with two new books about Colorado history, expanded offerings in The Colorado Encyclopedia, and several issues of The Colorado Magazine focused on telling the diverse stories of our state. These include:
• A new book surveying Colorado history, written by Dr. Derek Everett of Colorado State University
• A Beer Lover’s History of Colorado: historians and beer lovers Jason Hanson and Sam Bock examine Colorado history through the lens of a pint glass
• Special issues of The Colorado Magazine, focused on topics such as Colorado statehood, the environment, Black, Latino, and Indigenous history, including a special issue on Colorado’s Black history
• Expansion of The Colorado Encyclopedia to include representation of Colorado’s diverse communities and their histories, including collaboration with representatives from the three Ute Tribes as well as the three Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes to co-create encyclopedia articles about their history and culture.
Another Featured Program is the Digital Passport Program: Journey Through Colorado.
This is not on the list of Initiatives, but is a really fun opportunity, especially for those of us who are a bit competitive. The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission has launched a statewide digital passport in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Participants can “check in” at sites to earn rewards, badges, and exclusive offers.
Through 2026, the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is launching a free mobile-exclusive digital passport that allows visitors and locals to check in to Colorado businesses, redeem optional discounts, and earn prizes in celebration of the upcoming year. This passport will be a key component of all marketing campaigns moving forward, and they want your business to be considered!
There is no cost to participate. This includes:
Digital and print promotional materials to help you co-brand for participation in the passport program.
• The passport is easy to use: no apps to download and delivered via text/email
• Gamified engagement encourages visits
• Offering optional discounts or deals to encourage visitation to your business
• Easy GPS-based redemption process. Just go to https://www.colorado.com/colorado-passport-program-business-interest-form
• To be a participant, go to https://www.colorado.com/passport.
By TERESIA REED