Telluride Museum: Overview Summer/Fall & Gala

21 Jul Telluride Museum: Overview Summer/Fall & Gala

This year, 2016, the Telluride Historical Museum celebrates 50 years in operation. The gala celebration takes place at the Peaks Resort and Spa in Mountain Village and includes dinner, dancing, prizes, and an exhibit detailing the Museum’s history. Tickets. for gala here. Scroll down to find out what else is going on at the Museum.

According to Executive Director Kiernan Lannon, the evening will also provide the Museum with an opportunity to recognize three individuals who helped shape the institution into what it is today.

“It takes a village to keep an organization like ours going for 50 years,” Lannon acknowledged. “And while we’ve always had incredible support from an incredible number of people, we felt these three individuals warranted special recognition during our anniversary year.”

The individuals are: Barbara Tritschler, accepting recognition on behalf of her late mother and Museum founder, Arlene Reid; Peggy Curran, former Telluride Town Manager and Museum Board Member, who was instrumental in getting the Mill Levy, which now provides roughly 50% of the Museum’s budget, into motion; and Lauren Bloemsma, a former director of the Museum, who served diligently as the face and spirit of the Museum during the recent, post-renovation era.

“Each of these amazing women played a crucial role in making the Museum the vibrant, community-oriented place it is today,” Lannon explained. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say we simply wouldn’t be in the place that we are right now if Arlene, Peggy, and Lauren hadn’t crossed paths with the Museum. We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted to be able to offer this well-earned recognition at such a high profile event. We’re hoping this celebration will be a fitting note of thanks.”

Lannon continued:

“We’re really, really excited to be having this celebration. We’re one of the longest running arts and cultural non-profits in the Telluride region. It’s not every year you can celebrate 50 years of service to the community.   So, we’re planning a party that’s been 50 years in the making. People are going to have a great time with us on July 28.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, go here.

Fittingly, the theme for the evening is gold, and so guests are encouraged to dress in their finest golden attire.

Reoccurring Events:

Tickets, $15 non-members,$10 members, for the following events can be purchased at the Museum prior to the tour or meeting time or by phone at 970.728.3344 or online at telluridemuseum.org. 

Historic Walking Tours

Every Thursday, 1 p.m. Meet at the Museum, 201 West Gregory Ave. (Top of Fir St).

Join long-time local Ashley Boling for this lively town tour. Learn more about the people, buildings, and events that make Telluride unique.

Lone Tree Cemetery Tours

Every Friday starting September 2 – October 7, 1 p.m.

Don’t miss this unique look at Telluride’s history and the rugged people who lived, worked, and were buried here. Tours depart from the Lone Tree Cemetery pedestrian gate on Colorado Avenue at 1 p.m.

Lamplight Lone Tree Cemetery Tours

Last three Fridays in October 14, 21, 28, 6 p.m.

Hear the stories and legends of Telluride’s historic graveyard in the ambience of lantern light. Meet at the Lone Tree Cemetery. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Special Events:

Monday, July Fourth after the parade (approximately 1 p.m.) Free admission all day. Head up to the Museum after the parade for root beer floats.

Wednesday, July 20, 6 – 7:15 p.m. summer lecture, Modern Explorers with Alec Jacobson 

Saturday, July 23, TBD time, Hike into History: Tomboy Mine. Participants should be in good physical condition and bring along a snack, hat, sunscreen, and extra layers – including rain protection. To purchase tickets, $20 for non-member, $15 for members, call (970) 728-3344 or stop at the museum.

Thursday, July 28, Gala. (See above.)

Saturday, August 13, TBD time, Hike into History: Geo-caching. To purchase tickets, $20 for non-member, $15 for members, call (970) 728-3344 or stop at the museum.

Sunday, August 28, 6 – 9 p.m., An Evening with Ken Burns.

Join eminent PBS documentary filmmaker Ken Burns for a screening of an episode from his documentary, “National Parks.” The screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with Ken Burns and a booksigning.

Tickets are $25, non-members, $20 for members and $5 students (7 – 17).

Wednesday, September 21, 6 – 7 p.m., summer lecture, Surveying and Map Making. Free.

Monday, October 31, 7 – 9:30 p.m., Haunted Hospital. Gather your courage for a haunted journey through Telluride’s former hospital. Bring your friends and prepare to be spooked.

The Telluride Historical Museum in Telluride, Colo., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012…Photo by Barton Glasser

Fireside Chats:

This annual Telluride Historical Museum free lecture series delves into local historical topics through the lenses of authors, historical re-enactors, professors, geologists and more. Go here for information on presenters and locations.

Scheduled for: Wednesday August 17 and August 24 in Norwood; Thursday August 18 and August 25 at Hotel Madeline in Mountain Village.