New Exhibit “Longmont 150” Commemorates City’s 150th Anniversary
New Exhibit “Longmont 150” Commemorates City’s 150th Anniversary
LONGMONT, Colo. – It’s been 150 years since the Chicago-Colorado Colony founded the town of Longmont, and the Longmont Museum is commemorating the anniversary by opening its newest exhibit: “Longmont 150.” The exhibit looks back on the forces that shaped Longmont’s past and the recurring themes that will undoubtedly define its future.
Visitors will discover the answers to questions such as why the train still blocks traffic on Main Street, why Longmont’s pure water has led to the abundance of craft brewers in our community, and how festivals such as Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos came out of one of the darkest times in Longmont history. Kids can take “ride” in a customized lowrider and explore Longmont’s bygone industries with stops on a model train. The Museum’s historic collection shines with objects gathered over the past 80+ years, such as the first flag ever flown over Longmont.
“While commemorating the significant milestone of the sesquicentennial, the exhibit also pays homage to the original inhabitants of the land prior to settlement,” said Museum Director Kim Manajek.
The exhibit prompted the development of a Land Acknowledgement statement. In consultation with Montoya Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho), the Museum spearheaded Longmont City Council’s adoption of the statement, which honors the ancestral land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and other tribes.
The “Longmont 150” exhibition opens the evening of Friday, August 6 and runs through January 9, 2022. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, and veterans. Longmont Museum members and children age 3 and under are free. Admission is only 25 cents with a qualifying Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card, and the second Saturday of each month is free.
Installation photo opportunities and interviews with the curators are available this week and next by contacting Joan Harrold at joan.harrold@longmontcolorado.gov or 970-380-4943.
Public Opening Reception
Friday, August 6, 6–8 pm
$8 adults, $5 students/seniors, children 3 and under free, Museum members free
Be among the first to see the new “Longmont 150” exhibit during this party held in the Museum’s outdoor courtyard. Live music will be provided by Gypsy Jazz and American Swing band “Espresso” and two 1950s-era American LaFrance fire engines originally used in Longmont will be at the entrance to the building. The Museum invites visitors to dress from their favorite decade of Longmont’s history. Light appetizers provided; cash bar. Tickets are available at longmontmuseum.org or by calling 303-651-8374.
Members of the Longmont Museum’s Giving Club are invited for a private preview and tour of the exhibit with Curator of History Erik Mason prior to the opening. To learn more about how to get involved with the Giving Club, visit longmontmuseum.org and click on Join & Support.
LONGMONT MUSEUM
The Longmont Museum is a center for culture in Northern Colorado where people of all ages explore history, experience art, and discover new ideas through dynamic programs, exhibitions, and events. Regional history, internationally-known artists, and hands-on learning are all part of the mix of exhibitions at the Longmont Museum. Permanent exhibits document the 14,000 years of human history in Longmont and the people who helped to create this community. Special exhibits in the Museum’s main gallery, Portal Gallery, and Swan Atrium change several times a year. Learn more at www.longmontmuseum.org or visit us at 400 Quail Road, Longmont CO 80501.
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Visitors will discover the answers to questions such as why the train still blocks traffic on Main Street, why Longmont’s pure water has led to the abundance of craft brewers in our community, and how festivals such as Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos came out of one of the darkest times in Longmont history. Kids can take “ride” in a customized lowrider and explore Longmont’s bygone industries with stops on a model train. The Museum’s historic collection shines with objects gathered over the past 80+ years, such as the first flag ever flown over Longmont.
“While commemorating the significant milestone of the sesquicentennial, the exhibit also pays homage to the original inhabitants of the land prior to settlement,” said Museum Director Kim Manajek.
The exhibit prompted the development of a Land Acknowledgement statement. In consultation with Montoya Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho), the Museum spearheaded Longmont City Council’s adoption of the statement, which honors the ancestral land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and other tribes.
The “Longmont 150” exhibition opens the evening of Friday, August 6 and runs through January 9, 2022. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, and veterans. Longmont Museum members and children age 3 and under are free. Admission is only 25 cents with a qualifying Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card, and the second Saturday of each month is free.
Installation photo opportunities and interviews with the curators are available this week and next by contacting Joan Harrold at joan.harrold@longmontcolorado.gov or 970-380-4943.
Public Opening Reception
Friday, August 6, 6–8 pm
$8 adults, $5 students/seniors, children 3 and under free, Museum members free
Be among the first to see the new “Longmont 150” exhibit during this party held in the Museum’s outdoor courtyard. Live music will be provided by Gypsy Jazz and American Swing band “Espresso” and two 1950s-era American LaFrance fire engines originally used in Longmont will be at the entrance to the building. The Museum invites visitors to dress from their favorite decade of Longmont’s history. Light appetizers provided; cash bar. Tickets are available at longmontmuseum.org or by calling 303-651-8374.
Members of the Longmont Museum’s Giving Club are invited for a private preview and tour of the exhibit with Curator of History Erik Mason prior to the opening. To learn more about how to get involved with the Giving Club, visit longmontmuseum.org and click on Join & Support.
LONGMONT MUSEUM
The Longmont Museum is a center for culture in Northern Colorado where people of all ages explore history, experience art, and discover new ideas through dynamic programs, exhibitions, and events. Regional history, internationally-known artists, and hands-on learning are all part of the mix of exhibitions at the Longmont Museum. Permanent exhibits document the 14,000 years of human history in Longmont and the people who helped to create this community. Special exhibits in the Museum’s main gallery, Portal Gallery, and Swan Atrium change several times a year. Learn more at www.longmontmuseum.org or visit us at 400 Quail Road, Longmont CO 80501.
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