After hearing a lot of buzz about it, Katie Brown drove up to Denver from Pueblo on Wednesday morning for the opening of the Center for Colorado Women’s History in the historic Byers-Evans House.
“I think we grow up hearing the stories of the great men who really created the Colorado that we know and love, and this creates the space for women, and tells the story that we were a really important part of the history and we’re a really important part of where we will go in the future,” Brown said.
The new center is dedicated to expanding the knowledge and history of Colorado women and is the first of its kind in the state.
“It kind of made me chuckle to be honest that it didn’t already exist,” Brown said. “And after thinking about it, I think it’s about time. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to honor the contributions of women throughout Colorado’s history.”
Mag Hayden, the great-great-granddaughter of Territorial Governor John Evans, said the house her family lived in is the perfect place to open the women’s museum.
“I think of this house as a place for women,” Hayden said. “I never knew a man who lived here, I was born after the men had died, so it was only women who lived here that I knew, and very strong women at that.”
Hayden’s grandmother, Margaret Evans Davis, was the last family member to have lived in the house.
The Center for Colorado Women’s History focuses on scholarship, research, public programs, narrative, lectures, school tours and exhibits to expand the understanding and memory of the history of Colorado women.
Currently, the exhibit in the gallery is Colorado Women’s Work in World War One. Museum Director Jillian Allison said the center will aim to feature women beyond Denver, in rural areas, and across the economic spectrum.
Brown, who works in education, said she’s looking forward to hearing more stories of Colorado women and getting involved in the programs the museum will offer, such as panels, book clubs and craft sessions.
“You hear about the hardships that women throughout Colorado’s history have faced, and it reminds you of your own strength and resilience when you get a chance to look around and hear all these wonderful stories about the women who came before you,” she added.
More information about the museum and tours is available here.
