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The Molly Brown House Museum interprets the life of Margaret Tobin Brown the famous survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. However Margaret, as she was known, is also a significant figure in Colorado history. After earning a fortune in gold in Leadville, Margaret and her husband J.J., moved to Denver and became active in the community. Margaret was a founding member of the Denver Women's Club. She became a suffragist and even ran for the United States Senate in 1914, despite the fact that women could not vote in federal elections.
The Molly Brown House Museum interprets the life of Margaret Tobin Brown the famous survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. However Margaret, as she was known, is also a significant figure in Colorado history. After earning a fortune in gold in Leadville, Margaret and her husband J.J., moved to Denver and became active in the community. Margaret was a fundraiser for the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on Colfax, a major donor to the Denver Dumb Friends League and a founding member of the Denver Women's Club. She was also a close partner of Judge Ben Lindsey in the creation of the nation's first juvenile justice system, founded in Denver. As she became more and more engaged in progressive politics she advocated for improved labor laws and helped mediate the labor conflict in Ludlow, Colorado. She became a suffragist and even ran for the United States Senate in 1914, despite the fact that women could not vote in federal elections.
Margaret's life story is deeply tied to important moments in American History, including industrialization, labor struggles, new technologies and the changing role of women. The museum presents annual exhibit exploring these topics in greater depth. The 2008 exhibit, open through September 22nd, focuses on Margaret's political activism and the women she came to know through her work on the suffrage movement, including Alice Paul and Alva Vanderbilt Belmont.
The Browns home was constructed in 1889 and was designed by well-known Denver architect, William Lang. The Richardsonian Romanesque Queen Anne style home was built with all the modern conveniences, indoor plumbing, central heat and electricity. The Brown's purchased the home in 1894 and adjusted the front retaining wall and enclosed the rear porch. The Brown's children sold the home in 1932 after Margaret's death and although the home was remodeled several times in the subsequent decades, much of its original detailing and character remained intact, including stained glass windows, the original stone façade and some interior light fixtures.
Restoration efforts over the past thirty years have preserved not only the exterior integrity of the home but also its interior features. In the 1970s and 1980s unsightly fire escapes and extra bathrooms were removed and the entire home was returned to its 1910 appearance. In 2003, the museum completed the last stage of this process, restoring the back parlor and rear porch with support from the Colorado State Historical Fund.
Today, the museum's restored rooms are nearly indistinguishable from the early 20th century photographs of the home. Nearly 20% of the furnishings and decorations in the home belonged to Margaret Brown while all other pieces were carefully researched for authenticity and appropriateness. Margaret's influence is clearly apparent in the preservation of her own special touches, such as the stone lions that guard the home's front porch, the floor-to-ceiling bookcases she installed to display her library and the acquisition of the original art she purchased.
Since being saved from imminent demolition in 1970, the museum's parent agency, Historic Denver, Inc., has worked to ensure its continued protection. The Molly Brown House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is an individual designated Denver landmark.
The Molly Brown House is open to the public six days a week (closed Mondays) during the winter months and seven days a week June through August. Volunteer docents share the details of Margaret's life as they guide visitors through the restored-period rooms of the home. Tours are available every half hour between 10 am and 3:30 pm (12 pm to 3:30 pm on Sundays).
The museum's store is ADA accessible and interpretive videos are displayed in the store for those who are unable to enter the house, as its historic nature makes it inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs. A handicapped parking spot exists behind the museum.
Fun FactsMargaret Brown was never known as "Molly." This name was given to her by Hollywood producers of the movie, the "Unsinkable Molly Brown."
Margaret was a globe-trotter and her expedition on the Titanic was not her only story of survival. She also survived a typhoon in the Indian Ocean and a fire at the Breakers Hotel in Florida.
Other Places to VisitThe Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts Four Mile House The Black American West Museum Historic Fairmount CemeteryUpcoming EventsNo Pink Tea: Margaret Brown, Women's Suffrage & Denver's 1908 Convention Exhibit May 20, 2008 – September 22, 2008 Included on all regular tours Margaret Brown was a woman with many passions. She traveled, dreamed of becoming an actress and committed herself to community. She even managed to run for the United States Senate representing Colorado. She commented that in her race there would be "no pink tea"; it would be a real "man's campaign." However, political and philanthropic activities are often overshadowed by her many exciting adventures. As Denver welcomes its second national political convention 100 years after its first, we want to explore the issues of 1908; the sights, sounds and scandals Margaret & J.J. witnessed, as well as Margaret Brown's own fight for the right to vote.
Molly's Birthday BashSaturday, June 19, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm $12/person You are invited to celebrate Margaret "Molly" Brown's birthday! Enjoy traditional Victorian lawn games, birthday cake and other delectable treats. Mosey through the Museum, explore the summer exhibit and shop at this perfect family afternoon.
Molly's DNC Tea August 29, 1 pm $19/personThis tea honors of the end of the 2008 convention amidst the museum's exhibit about the 1908 convention. The tea includes a tour of the house and exhibit and time to enjoy small sandwiches, scones and fruit in the Museum's third-floor tea room. The Museum's catering staff will serve an assortment of tea sandwiches, desserts, fruit and tea to guests in the third floor tearoom.
Teddy Bear Cream Tea Sunday, September 7, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm $19/person Fuzzy friends are welcome at this tea, during which the teddy bear's namesake and outgoing 1908 President, Theodore Roosevelt, will tell tales of his famed adventures.
Democratic National Convention Tea Molly Brown After Hours Thursday, September 18, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm $12/person Toe-tapping Irish music will greet you in the Museum's courtyard at this rare opportunity to explore the Museum after hours. Sip a fresh pint while mingling with the crowd.
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