Colorado launches statewide storytelling project

DENVER — The America 250–Colorado 150 Commission, in partnership with History Colorado, has launched A Portrait of Colorado at 150, a statewide storytelling initiative designed to capture the diverse voices and experiences that define Colorado.

The project marks a key part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence. It will collect at least 150 stories from residents across all regions of the state through oral histories, community events and partnerships with local organizations. The goal is to preserve untold stories, amplify underrepresented voices and build a collective portrait of life in Colorado.

“This signature initiative is about connection,” said Commissioner Jason Hanson, chief creative officer for History Colorado. “Each of us has a story to tell, and A Portrait of Colorado at 150 gives us the opportunity to appreciate how those individual stories are the building blocks of our shared history.”

The project is supported by the Next50 Foundation. President and CEO Peter Kaldes said the foundation is honored to help preserve the state’s history through the voices of older adults who have shaped Colorado over generations.

Led by History Colorado’s curatorial and oral history team, the project will travel to all 64 counties, working with local museums and residents to record stories, scan photographs, and offer workshops on preserving community history. Free resources, including an oral history toolkit, recording equipment and consultations, will be available to help Coloradans collect and share their own histories.

“A Portrait of Colorado at 150 will work directly with communities across the state to tell a more inclusive story of Colorado history,” said Melissa DeBie, director of curatorial services and collections access at History Colorado. “We’re honored to collaborate with Coloradans to document their experiences during this special moment in time.”

Over the next year, the project team will appear at community events, including the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, the Southern Ute Bear Dance in Ignacio, Wray Daze on the Eastern Plains, Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs, and the Moffat County Balloon Festival in Craig.

Coloradans can participate by sharing personal stories, photos, and memories or by starting storytelling projects in their own communities. More information and resources are available at Am250CO150.org.

The America 250–Colorado 150 Commission was established by Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly to lead the state’s commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026. The Commission’s campaign, The View From Here, encourages Coloradans to reflect on the past and imagine the state’s future through statewide events, educational programs, and exhibits.

History Colorado, a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, operates 11 museums and historic sites across the state and provides grants, preservation services, and educational programs through the State Historical Fund and other initiatives. For more information, visit HistoryColorado.org or call 303-HISTORY.