Museums are OPEN! YAY! Scroll down for details!

SUMMER 2020 E-NEWS kicks off with Acacia Bandshell News: 

In a world of uncertainty and unrest, one thing we do know:  the citizens of this community LOVE their historic places!  The City’s recently approved Downtown Historic Parks Master Plan for Acacia, Antlers and Alamo Square) set into motion a social media campaign resulting in thousands of people stating their fervent desire to protect and preserve the beloved c.1914 Acacia Park Bandshell.  The HPA is in talks with the City, with good news to share! Here’s what we know:

The City has no intention of removing or relocating the historic Acacia Park Bandshell and they know we are 100% unwilling to let that happen.  Just last month, the Bandshell was officially deemed eligible for listing in the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties and the HPACS has identified a qualified local professional willing to prepare the nomination on behalf of the City.  The City’s Park and cultural leaders, including Karen Palus (Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services). Matt Mayberry (Cultural Services Manager) and Connie Schmeisser (Parks Master Plan Coordinator), met via Zoom with Tim Boddington and Roxanne Eflin to discuss a way forward, including submitting the State Register nomination, providing access to State Historical Fund grants.  The City has requesting holding back on the State Register nomination effort until a structural feasibility study is completed, providing analysis to properly adapt the bandshell for more active use.  We understand this effort is to begin soon, with preservation of the character-defining features at the top of the list of priorities.  The City officials openly stated their passion for this place, and their commitment to work closely with the citizens and Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs as together we move forward with a plan for future. 

We know from other similar efforts in towns and cities across America, these early 20th century bandshells are interesting challenges to Parks departments with skinny operating budgets and contemporary uses that often are not a natural fit within the confines of the architectural shell design.  What we also recognize is the City’s need to ensure our parks are safe for all.  This is an evolving story, requiring communication, alertness and a willingness to work together in partnership toward an effective conclusion.  We all look forward to celebrating our historic reconditioned Bandshell at a future ribbon cutting! 

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Area Museums / Attractions Excited to Welcome Visitors

Contributed by HPA Board member Deb Darrow, Director, Rosemount Museum, Pueblo

The Pikes Peak region has a rich and colorful history that tells the story of how it evolved from the past to the present.  There are many opportunities to learn about and explore that evolution by visiting the area’s many museums and attractions.  After being closed for several months, many sites are excited to finally open their doors.  Following is a list of museums and historical sites that are now open to the public.  Please visit their websites for specifics on hours and Covid-19 restrictions.

Colorado Springs area:

Museum of Mining & Industry:  https://www.wmmi.org/

Pikes Peak Trolley Museum: coloradospringstrolleys.com.

Glen Eyrie: Reservations required. www.gleneyrie.org.

Pioneer Museum: Advanced tickets.  www.cspm.org.

McAllister House: Reservations required. www.mcallisterhouse.org.

Rock Ledge Ranch: www.rockledgeranch.com.

Flying W Ranch: Tickets online.  www.flyingw.com.

Old Colorado City History Center Museum: www.occhs.org.

Peterson Air & Space Museum: https://petemuseum.org

4th Infantry Division Museum (Fort Carson): https://www.carson.army.mil/museum.html

Manitou Springs:

Manitou Springs Heritage Center: www.manitouspringsheritagecenter.org

Miramont Castle: Tea Room open.  www.miramontcastle.org

Woodland Park:

Ute Pass Heritage Center: www.utepasshistoricalsociety.org.

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center: www.rmdrc.com.

Pueblo:

Rosemount Museum: www.rosemount.org.

Pueblo Heritage Museum:  www.theheritagecenter.us.

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum:  www.pwam.org.

El Pueblo History Museum:  www.historycolorado.org/elpueblohistorymuseum.

Staycations may be this year’s most popular entertainment trend.  For history lovers, it is good to know that there are plenty of options in our own backyard!