



Connect with history even when the museums are closed
There are plenty of ways to the connect with history even when the museums are closed in Breckenridge, including hikes and digital adventures.

Our Collective History: Confronting difficult histories
One of our new blog post categories is Our Collective History, but what does that really mean? When we think about history, there are specific events, ideas, and people who have helped to shape eras and places in...

Why We Collect: Nature and our mining history
A look at the new blog post category, Why We Collect, with a focus on nature and how our mining history is still on display.
March 24, 2023
The Ten Mile Range and the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument
Softly undulating along Breckenridge’s western horizon, the Ten Mile Range marks the boundary of the Upper Blue River Valley. Towering above the town of Breckenridge, iconic Peak 8 is as immediately recognizable as the Matterhorn is to Zermatt...
March 23, 2023
The Mysteries of Fort Mary B.
The community of Breckenridge began in 1859-60 as a collection of rustic log cabins and a protective fort when a group of hearty prospectors and one woman over-wintered along the Blue River. The fort became known as Fort...

Breckenridge’s Airport Legacy: Part 2
Breckenridge’s Airport Road remains the sole legacy of the history of airplanes and wished-for airport development in town. From the beginning of Breckenridge as a ski town, airplanes played an important role in the community’s growth. And while...

Breckenridge’s Airport Legacy: Part 1
Breckenridge has an Airport Road, but no airport. Curious residents and visitors often ask Breckenridge History about the legacy of Airport Road. Learn more about the long and convoluted history of airplanes and airports in the Upper Blue...

Women as Tall as Our Mountains: Biographical Sketches by Local Women
I would call this little book “small but mighty”! This compilation of mini-biographies of pioneer Summit County women was a project of our local Summit County chapter of P.E.O. (P.E.O. is a philanthropic and educational organization interested in...

Florence Watson’s Way: A poet in Breckenridge
Florence Watson was a poet in Breckenridge during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her book of poetry, "Sweet Summerland" was exhibited at the Chicago World's Fair and she wrote numerous stories for the local newspapers.

Bill Fountain’s Research Tips and How-to’s
People frequently ask Breckenridge History for information on their family or friends who were part of historic Breckenridge. A recent acquisition by the Breckenridge History Archives of a c. 1900 photo album by Otto Westerman provides an instructive...

Making History Accessible to All
History belongs to everyone. Making Breckenridge’s historic sites accessible is a top priority for Breckenridge History. From physical access to accommodations for hearing and sight impairments, learn more about the ways that Breckenridge History brings our community’s stories...

Louis Ford: Part 3 – The Final Years
Louis Ford, son of respected businessman and entrepreneur Barney L. Ford, chooses a life of crime in Part 3 of this series.

Louis Ford: Part 2 – Falls far from the Family Tree
Louis Ford is accused of theft by a client at the Cheyenne hotel owned by his well-respected father, Barney L. Ford.

Louis Ford: Part 1 – Early Years in the Wild West
Breckenridge History reveals on how Louis Ford, son of Barney and Julia Ford, was influenced by the 1860's Wild West in Cheyenne, WY.

Women of Willpower: Breckenridge Pioneers
Pioneering women of Breckenridge's early days survived and thrived in the unforgiving mountain environment of Colorado's mining communities.

Helen Rich and Belle Turnbull: The Ladies of French Street
Belle Turnbull and Helen Rich were women of literature who found inspiration in gritty Breckenridge, Colorado during the Great Depression.

Women of Willpower: Julia and Sarah Ford
Mr. Barney L. Ford ascended to wealth and political prominence in frontier Colorado but what about the women in his life - Julia and Sarah?

Myth-busting: The True Story of Barney Ford
Mr. Barney L. Ford's story changed completely in spring 2021 when the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance received a new primary source document.

Breckinridge or Breckenridge
Where did Breckenridge, Colorado get its name? Every town has its origin story.

What Happened to John C Breckinridge
Lending his name to the town’s post office chartered in February 1860, John Cabell Breckinridge was linked to Breckenridge, CO forever.

Celebrating the Indigenous People of Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge History honors all history and celebrates the first human inhabitants of the area, the Utes.

A Community Interred: Historic Valley Brook Cemetery in Breckenridge
Valley Brook Cemetery reveals the history of a mountain community that enjoyed booms and endured busts of a remote mining town.

Father Dyer and Dyersville Ghost Town
Father John Lewis Dyer traveled to Breckenridge later in life but left his mark as a minister, miner, and mailman.

Time Travel at the Breckenridge Welcome Center Museum
Discover new exhibits at the Breckenridge Welcome Center and travel back in time to explore Main Street in 1888.

Washington Mill Exhibit
What happens after ore is extracted from the mountain? Check out the mill exhibit in Breckenridge to learn more and see authentic equipment.

New Research on Barney Ford Changes the Story Again
New research on the life and legacy of Barney Ford leads BHA to update our museum and interpretation.

Sam Adams and The Colorado River Exploring and Prospecting Party
Captain Sam Adams convinces the community of Breckenridge to help him seek passage to the Pacific, competing with John Wesley Powell.

Breckenridge’s No Man’s Land Celebration– An Excuse for a Party
Locals of Breckenridge, CO celebrated No Man’s Land Festival for decades, eventually leading to Ullr Fest, its famed winter carnival.
February 16, 2021
Rocky Mountain PBS to premiere Colorado Experience: Mr. Barney Ford
On Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 7 pm, Rocky Mountain PBS will premiere Colorado Experience: Mr. Barney Ford, a 56-minute documentary...

Breckenridge, CO: The First Ullr Dag Festival
Breckenridge’s first winter carnival, Ullr Dag, had a tall order to fill: make Breckenridge stand out from other ski resorts in Colorado.

Breckenridge, CO: The Origins of Ullr
Breckenridge’s Ullr Dag festival was dedicated to the proposition that all are entitled to a weekend of merry-making.