Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Preserving Pueblo County's Heritage Since 1975
Founded in 1975, the Southeastern Colorado Heritage has dedicated over four decades to preserving and promoting the rich history of Pueblo County and Southeastern Colorado. As a 100% volunteer-operated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we maintain the Edward Broadhead Research Library containing over 10,000 books and periodicals, and curate the Pueblo Heritage Museum housing 25,000 photographs and historical artifacts. Our team of experienced historians and volunteers provides educational outreach programs, publishes the monthly Pueblo Lore magazine, and offers public access to our extensive historical collections.Through our preservation efforts, genealogical research assistance, and community engagement initiatives, we serve as a vital resource for both local residents and visiting researchers. Our commitment to historical accuracy and community involvement has established us as a trusted authority on regional history, with our staff including certified experts in archival preservation and museum curation.
Services
Historical Preservation
Museum Exhibits
Research Library
Educational Programs
Event Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- Established nonprofit organization with 48 years of dedicated service
- Maintain the largest regional history research library in Southern Colorado
- Expert volunteer staff with specialized knowledge of local history
- Offer comprehensive educational programs for all age groups
- Operate a fully accessible heritage museum with rotating exhibits
What people say
Educational exhibits
Knowledgeable volunteers
Well-preserved artifacts
Community engagement
Historical depth
Services
Historical Preservation
Our organization specializes in preserving regional history through artifact conservation, archival document management, and historical site documentation. We maintain over 25,000 photographs and 10,000 library volumes, ensuring long-term preservation of Pueblo County's cultural heritage. Our experts employ professional archival techniques to protect historical materials for future generations.
Research Library
The Edward Broadhead Research Library provides public access to extensive historical collections including books, periodicals, and genealogical records. Our library staff assists researchers with local history inquiries, offering reference services and document reproduction. The collection focuses on regional history with specialized resources on Pueblo's industrial and cultural development.
Museum Exhibits
The Pueblo Heritage Museum showcases rotating exhibits featuring local history, including the 1921 flood, Depression era artifacts, and Native American heritage. Our exhibits combine historical artifacts with interpretive displays to educate visitors about the region's diverse cultural heritage through interactive and traditional presentation methods.
Educational Programs
We offer educational outreach programs for schools and community groups, including guided museum tours and history workshops. Our programs align with state educational standards and feature hands-on learning experiences with historical artifacts and primary source materials for students of all ages.
Event Rentals
The Heritage Room provides a historic venue for meetings and social events, featuring modern amenities within a preserved architectural setting. Our rental package includes audiovisual equipment, kitchen facilities, and seating arrangements for up to 75 guests in a fully accessible space.
People
Pam Jacobsen
President
Pam Jacobsen leads the organization with over 20 years of experience in historical preservation. She oversees strategic planning and community outreach initiatives while managing volunteer operations and special projects.
John Wendt
Executive Director
Dr. John Wendt directs daily operations with a PhD in history and 15 years of museum management experience. He specializes in regional history interpretation and collection management, ensuring academic rigor in all educational programs.
Alexis Topping
Outreach Coordinator
Alexis Topping manages community engagement efforts with expertise in historical education and public programming. She develops educational materials and coordinates volunteer training programs to enhance visitor experiences.
Tom Perkins
Director of Publications
Tom Perkins oversees the Pueblo Lore magazine publication with 30 years of editorial experience. He manages content development, author coordination, and historical accuracy verification for the monthly publication.
Judy McGinnis
Director of Research Library
Judy McGinnis manages the Edward Broadhead Research Library with specialized expertise in archival science. She supervises cataloging systems, reference services, and preservation efforts for the library's extensive historical collections.
Questions
How can I become a member of the Pueblo County Historical Society?
Visit our website to complete the membership application or contact us directly at (719) 543-6772. Membership benefits include advance event notices and our monthly Pueblo Lore publication.
What are the museum's operating hours?
The Pueblo Heritage Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The research library operates Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM and Friday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM.
Does the society offer research assistance for genealogy projects?
Yes, our research library staff provides genealogical research support using our extensive collection of historical records, photographs, and periodicals focused on Pueblo County and Southern Colorado history.
Can I rent the Heritage Room for private events?
The Heritage Room is available for rental Tuesday through Saturday. Catered events start at $200 for four hours, with hourly rates from $50 for non-members. The space includes audiovisual equipment and kitchen facilities.
How can I contribute historical artifacts to the collection?
Contact our collections manager to discuss potential donations. We accept items related to Pueblo County history following our acquisition guidelines, with proper documentation and provenance verification.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
We welcome volunteers to assist with cataloging collections, guiding tours, and event support. Training is provided for roles in archival management, museum education, and historical research assistance.
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