Summit Historical Society - Dillon, Colorado

Summit Historical Society: Unveiling the Past in Dillon, Colorado

The Summit Historical Society, nestled at 403 La Bonte St in Dillon, CO, is a beacon for history enthusiasts, offering a captivating journey into the past. This non-profit organization, museum, and tourist attraction is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Summit County, Colorado. Let's delve into the details of this fascinating institution.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The Summit Historical Society maintains an engaging collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Summit County's past. From the Ute Indians who originally inhabited the area to the mining boom of the late 19th century and the ski industry that followed, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region's history.
• Educational Programs: The society offers interactive workshops and programs for students, bringing history to life through hands-on activities. These sessions can be held at schools or at historical sites, making learning about the past an immersive and engaging experience.
• Community Events: The Summit Historical Society hosts various events throughout the year, including lectures, tours, and festivals. These events provide opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate their shared history.
• Online Presence: The society maintains an active online presence through Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Their website (summithistorical.org) serves as a comprehensive resource for all things Summit County history, featuring virtual exhibits, event calendars, and educational materials.

Location and Access

The Summit Historical Society is located at 403 La Bonte St in Dillon, CO 80435, United States. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, the museum is easily accessible from major highways, including US-6 and I-70. The surrounding area offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial establishments, with the picturesque Dillon Reservoir and the vibrant town of Dillon just a short drive away.

For those traveling by car, parking is available on-site, with wheelchair-accessible spaces available. The museum is also wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy its offerings.

Featured Characteristics

• Women-Owned: The Summit Historical Society identifies as women-owned, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the organization.
• Historic Building: Housed in a historic building, the museum itself is a testament to Summit County's past. The building, originally constructed in the early 20th century, has been meticulously restored and preserved.
• Colorado 150: The society's "Colorado 150" program celebrates the state's sesquicentennial, exploring the people, places, and events that have shaped Colorado's history.
• Homesteaders Stories: The "Homesteaders Stories" project aims to preserve the oral histories of Summit County's pioneer families, providing a personal and intimate look at the region's past.
• Women of Distinction: This program honors the contributions of women to Summit County's history, highlighting their achievements and legacies.
• Veterans: The Summit Historical Society is committed to remembering and honoring the veterans who have served their country. Their exhibits and programs pay tribute to the local heroes who have fought to protect our freedoms.

Practical Information

The Summit Historical Society is open to the public, with hours of operation varying by season. It's recommended to check their website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Admission is generally free, although donations are welcome and help support the society's ongoing work.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum's exhibits at their own pace, or to participate in one of the society's guided tours or educational programs. The museum's staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and passionate about Summit County history and are always happy to share their expertise with visitors.

What Visitors Love

With an average rating of 5/5 on Google My Business, the Summit Historical Society has clearly made a positive impact on its visitors. Positive aspects mentioned in reviews include:

• Knowledgeable and Engaging Staff: Many reviewers praised the museum's staff and volunteers for their expertise and enthusiasm, noting that they brought history to life in a engaging and interactive way.
• Well-Curated Exhibits: Visitors appreciated the museum's thoughtful and well-designed exhibits, which effectively told the story of Summit County's past.
• Educational Opportunities: Parents and teachers alike praised the museum's educational programs, noting that they provided a valuable and engaging learning experience for children.
• Community Connection: Several reviewers mentioned that the Summit Historical Society made them feel more connected to their community and its history, fostering a sense of local pride.

The Summit Historical Society's commitment to preserving and sharing Summit County's history has clearly resonated with visitors, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the region's past.

👍 Reviews of Summit Historical Society

Andrew V.

5/5

We went on a quiet afternoon and were greeted by the tour guide, a kind elderly woman dressed in the teacher's garb of the day. She was very understanding of how inquisitive young children can be 😉. It was not busy at all and we got to take our time to ask many questions, and they even have authentic items on site predating the Civil War! It was great perspective for a family used to modern conveniences, teaching us to both appreciate what we have and what we've lost. I would highly recommend it!

Sara P.

5/5

Fun stop for our family. The scavenger hunt through the train replica of the city was so much fun! The staff was engaging, knowledgeable and welcome. Highly recommend!

Tom

5/5

If you like history and historical buildings, you'll love this place. The photos and original woodwork in the schoolhouse are great. The cabins are also really interesting and cool to see.

Christine B.

5/5

This little museum is great! Super nice people, who were so willing to share local info and history. Our girls loved the school house and being able to ring the bell.

Cameron B.

5/5

Tour guides were nice and it was fun to see their collection. Our kids had fun and they learned a few things about the area. The tour was about 20 minutes so a nice stop for a few minutes.

Susan W.

5/5

Cute little museum. Really great old west schoolhouse like Little House on the Prairie. You can ring the bell! Great little general store and local ranch and mining history. Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Patricia S.

5/5

Nice to glimpse of history of the area I call home. The staff was so kind and informative . My grandsons enjoyed their visit.

Edmond A.

5/5

Interesting and Informative, a great place to see the past and for some of us older fokes remember some of the past