“Hair is at once the most delicate and last of our materials and survives us like love. It is so light, so gentle, so escaping from the idea of death, that, with a lock of hair belonging to...

The Keystone drill was originally brought to Breckenridge in 1898. It made its way to the Fairplay/Alma area circa 1938, lived in Como for more than 30 years, and came back to Breckenridge in 2018 before being moved to the B&B trailhead earlier this year.

An 1862 ambrotype of French Gulch makes the journey home to Breckenridge from the Montana Historical Society

Preservation is a key part of our mission at Breckenridge History. But what does preservation really mean?

Breckenridge History joined the American Alliance of Museums in emphasizing why museums matter at Museum Advocacy Day in Washington D.C.

Learn what's in store in 2024 for Breckenridge History. The year ahead will include exciting new programs and museum updates.

Learn about Ute history and their connection to Breckenridge as part of National American Indian Heritage Month.

Learn more about Breckenridge's musical history and the characters who have brought the sounds of summer to Breckenridge over the years.

During the month of May we were all about making history happen with a new exhibit at Lomax and other adventures.

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

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...

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.

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...

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 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 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...

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 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.

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...

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, son of respected businessman and entrepreneur Barney L. Ford, chooses a life of crime in Part 3 of this series.

Louis Ford is accused of theft by a client at the Cheyenne hotel owned by his well-respected father, Barney L. Ford.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Barney L. Ford's story changed completely in spring 2021 when the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance received a new primary source document.

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

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

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

Valley Brook Cemetery reveals the history of a mountain community that enjoyed booms and endured busts of a remote mining town.

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

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

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 the life and legacy of Barney Ford leads BHA to update our museum and interpretation.

Captain Sam Adams convinces the community of Breckenridge to help him seek passage to the Pacific, competing with John Wesley Powell.

Locals of Breckenridge, CO celebrated No Man’s Land Festival for decades, eventually leading to Ullr Fest, its famed winter carnival.

On Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 7 pm, Rocky Mountain PBS will premiere Colorado Experience: Mr. Barney Ford, a 56-minute documentary...

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

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

While UllrFest was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, that wasn't the first time people thought they had seen the last of UllrDag.

Breckenridge History staff visit Denver to see how History Colorado and Denver Museum of Nature and Science preserve collection materials.

Enjoy a wide variety of subjects from natural to ski history at the top three free history museums in Breckenridge.

Unexpected fun awaits in Breckenridge with these historic sites and adventures. Families can also enjoy great photo opportunities.