January 2017 Museletter IGNITE your curiosity. DISCOVER your story. This historic photo of the then El Paso County Courthouse was taken on a snowy day in 1915. From the CSPM Collection
January 2017 Museletter IGNITE your curiosity. DISCOVER your story. Thank You:To Our Departing Board Members In December 2016, five of the founding members of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Board By: Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director completed their six years of board service. The CSPM Board exists to provide financial support for museum operations. This private, nonprofit organization was organized as a result of the economic crisis in 2009-2010 and the related budget cuts that threatened the City-owned museum. The departing board members are: Susan Bradt Laabs (treasurer), Marjorie Westbay (secretary), Harry Gautsche, David Buckley, and Sue Grant. During their tenure on the board, the CSPM has experienced tremendous growth and change. More than 90 percent of the museum’s exhibits have been updated, and successful new educational programs were launched, which have helped increase annual visitation by more than 50 percent. The board finalized a new strategic plan, Vision 2023, that identified financial strength, visitor experience, and brand identity as strategic priorities for the institution. The organization has met or exceeded ambitious goals related to fundraising and building renovation. From left to right: Sue Grant, Harry Gautsche, David Buckley, Sue Bradt Laabs, Marjorie Westbay The CSPM is much stronger, more resilient, and more engaging than it was in 2010. The museum’s many accomplishments are due in no small measure to the hard work, dedication, and passion of these founding board members. They are also a lot of fun to work with. A sincere thank you to each and every one of them for their service. In an upcoming issue of the Museletter, you will meet some of our new board members. pg. 2
Mark Your Calendar..... STORY OF US EXHIBIT OPENING Saturday, January 14th (10:00am – 5:00pm) The Story of Us: The Pikes Peaks Region from A – Z, allows users to explore the history and geography of the area using 21st Century technology. Open a letter from A – Z and learn about the people, places and events that make our region unique. Navigate dynamic maps that allow you to go back in time to understand how neighborhoods, businesses, climate and transportation have shaped our community. Where do you fit in? Come and discover your place in local history through The Story of Us! CHILDREN’S HISTORY HOUR – THE COLORADO ALPHABET Wednesday, January 18th & Saturday, January 28th (10:30am - 11:30am) “A” is for Antlers Hotel, “M” is for Manitou, and “T” is Tesla! Let’s discover the ABCs of Colorado Springs and the Centennial State! We’ll read “C is for Centennial: A Colorado Alphabet” and explore our brand new “The Story of Us” exhibit. We will get crafty and create our own letter art celebrating our community and history. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA- DATE NIGHT & KIDS NIGHT OUT Saturday, February 11th (5:30pm - 9:00pm) The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is pleased to announce a spectacular evening of food, drinks, silent film, and live music. The evening features a showing of Lon Chaney’s 1925 silent horror film, The Phantom of the Opera. The film will be accompanied by professional five piece chamber ensemble, The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. But wait! What about the kids? This special night is fun for all ages! While grown-ups enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and Phantom, kiddos will make crafts, eat spooky snacks, and watch a kid-friendly film! Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the film and dress in their own Phantom inspired costumes for the event. Kids - feel free to dress comfy and bring a sleeping bag for movie-watching fun! Please RSVP for these events at: http://www.cspm.org/rsvp-for-an-event/ pg. 3
GRAND OPENING: THE STORY OF US By: Leah Davis Witherow, CSPM Curator of History & Archivist The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of our newest exhibit, The Story of Us: The Pikes Peak Region A - Z, on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Several years in the making, this groundbreaking exhibit seeks to collect and share stories that broaden our understanding of who we are as a community. Using artifacts, photographs, and oral histories, this exhibit explores what is most unique about us and how we differ from any other city in the United States. Taken separately, each story within our A – Z framework is interesting, provocative and/or anecdotal. Understood as a whole, these stories demonstrate the complex processes that have shaped our region over time. Inside you will find intriguing objects from our collections, many of which have never before been on exhibit. Framed by whimsical text, colorful graphics, playful design, and the distinctive artwork of local phenom Phil Lear, the stories unfold before you. There is no particular way to navigate the gallery — instead we encourage you to meander in whichever direction you are drawn. “Several years in the making, this groundbreaking exhibit seeks to collect and share stories that broaden our understanding of who we are as a community.” -Witherow Who is Nikola Tesla you wonder? Or do you? Find out how despite his brief stay in the region, Tesla left an indelible mark on local memory and landscape. He also went on to become one of the most important scientists of the modern era. Did you know that the first women to wear pants were ridiculed? Have you heard the story about Julia Archibald Holmes and the Dress Reform Movement? She came west in a “Bloomer Costume” and made the first recorded ascent of Pikes Peak by a woman. Or you can sit down, relax, and watch “The Man of a Thousand Faces” Lon Chaney in the classic silent film Phantom of the Opera. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Chaney’s acting skills were shaped by his difficult childhood and creative inclinations. Or perhaps you have never heard the stories of the cataclysmic grasshopper plagues of the late nineteenth century, and the extremely dangerous methods implemented to eradicate them? These are just a few of the stories that await you in the gallery. Finally, there is an interactive element to The Story of Us that we know you will want to explore. Available through state-of-the-art touchscreens in the gallery, and accessible online in the comfort of your home or school, we have created a dynamic software program that allows you to explore the history and geography of the Pikes Peak Region. Ready to get started? Have fun exploring The Story of Us! pg. 4
Honoring: Dewey Dearing By: Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director The museum staff was sad to learn of the passing of Dewey Dearing on December 16, at age 92. Dewey played a major role in the history of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and in particular in preserving the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse. Photo of Dewey Dearing In the late 1960s, a plan was approved to demolish the old courthouse once a new building was completed. A number of stalwart citizens worked tirelessly to save the elegant structure from the wrecking ball. In 1971, Dewey was part of a team of engineers and architects that provided pro bono services to analyze the feasibility of converting the building into the museum’s new home. This report concluded the courthouse and the museum were “ideally suited to each other; in fact they would enhance each other.” In October 1972, Dewey and his business partner Charles Byerly were hired with funding from the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to create a plan for an orderly move of the museum collection, ascertain structural need, and develop a space utilization plan for the courthouse. With the help of this initial planning, the courthouse was saved from demolition in 1973. The building was deeded by El Paso County to the City of Colorado Springs for use as the museum’s new home. For nearly 30 years, Byerly and Dearing Architects guided the museum through numerous phases of renovation. In 2003, on the 100th anniversary of the completion of the building’s construction, the Museum staff and board presented Dewey with the CSPM’s Heritage Award. The award was for extraordinary service to the museum and the community. The award was a prized possession for Dewey, and one that he kept prominently displayed in his home studio. The preservation of the museum’s graceful architecture and gallery spaces is a testament to Dewey’s hard work and imagination. He was humble man and would be the first to say that many people were responsible for saving the courthouse. While that’s true, it’s appropriate to recall his unique role in the process. Because of him, generations of residents and visitor have and will continue to walk through our doors and learn about the history of the Pikes Peak region. Thank You, Dewey! pg. 5
E mplo y e e SPOTLIGHT The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum would like to welcome our newest employee to the team, Elaina Turley! Elaina is originally from Colorado Springs and has recently moved back after living in Alabama for the last 5 years. She attended Auburn University and graduated in May 2015 with a degree in Public Relations. After college, Elaina moved to Birmingham, Alabama where she worked as the public relations and promotions manager for a real estate coaching company. She now works as the Marketing Coordinator for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. She will be working with staff members and volunteers to build public interest, engagement, and investment in CSPM’s mission. Elaina will also create and deliver marketing ideas and activities to achieve CSPM’s strategic marketing goals. In Elaina’s free time she enjoys running, hiking, Auburn football, and traveling. You can also always find her sipping on a good cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. Photo of Elaina Turley You can contact Elaina at 719.385.5637 or eturley@springsgov.com Proudly serving the Colorado Springs community for 10 years! Interested in Volunteering? Click here to find out how you can help: http://www. cspm.org/ support/ volunteerscorp/ A Look Back: Festival of Lights By: Meg Poole, Education Coordinator The snow’s falling down, the glitter has settled, and the sounds of bells and holiday carols have left the building. The Festival of Lights Family Fun Day has come to an end! This special tradition has brought magic and joy to the Pikes Peak region for more than 20 years. It takes more than 50 volunteers, 20 pizzas, 1,200 cookies, 500 pines cones, 30 gallons of hot chocolate, 1,600 popsicle sticks, and too much glue to count to make this tradition possible. This year’s program featured five craft and ornament stations, a balloon maker, a full performance schedule with the addition of the Pikes Peak Youth Ringers, and educational partners like the El Paso County Nature Centers. Our volunteers took on the challenge of painting tiny faces! Kid’s faces were adorned with holiday lights, trees, snowmen, and snowflakes. We welcomed over 1,200 guests to the event and handed out cookies and hot chocolate to more than 600 parade-goers during the evening. The holiday light show also debuted, which magically lights up all of the architectural features of the beautiful El Paso County Courthouse. Featured Sponsor of the Month: The Loffler family Fun at the face painting booth The museum staff would like to thank everyone who attended the event and the volunteers who contributed their time and talents to its success! We look forward to next year and hope you will help us to keep this special tradition alive for many years to come. Happy New Year! pg. 6
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