For more than four decades, the Pagosa Springs History Museum has offered visitors and locals alike a glimpse back into the history of Pagosa Country, at the same time preserving history and displaying precious artifacts from the past.
The 2026 season will run through Sept. 5.
The museum, which is overseen by the nonprofit San Juan Historical Society, hosts a one-of-a-kind collection depicting early life and industry in the area.
And, the museum itself is an artifact of sorts. It is partially housed in the old waterworks building constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1938. The WPA, created in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt, was part of the New Deal.
In 2026, the museum will feature multiple special exhibits celebrating America’s 250th birthday and 150 years of Colorado statehood in addition to its permanent exhibits.
‘Moments that Made US’
In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The museum will celebrate this monumental moment in America’s history with an America 250 commemorative exhibition honoring the Declaration of Independence.
“Moments That Made US” looks at the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence by exploring moments in our history that have served to define their meaning.
This nationwide exhibit is being brought to our community to aid in understanding founding principles like “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” “Consent of the Governed,” “Created Equal,” “Free and Independent State” and “We Mutually Pledge to Each Other.”
The exhibition explores how generations of Americans have given meaning to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
This exhibition will run the full 2026 season.
Colorado statehood
One hundred years after the founding of our nation, Colorado became the 38th state to be admitted to the Union, earning the moniker of the “Centennial State.”
A history vault is being created at the museum this season to preserve memories for future generations. Local history is being collected, which will then be stored in a vault. This will be locked with the request that it not be opened until the bicentennial celebration of the state of Colorado in 2076.
What will be included in this exhibition? A collection of books, both in print and out of print, has been curated. Local family histories and writings have been permitted to be included in the vault. Oral histories have been conducted and will be included.
Watch upcoming issues of The PREVIEW for more information on how to include your family’s history in this vault.
Imagine the excitement when this treasure trove is opened in 50 years, sharing our collected history. The hope is that the collection will be added to and resealed to share with future generations.
On Aug. 1 at 10 a.m., a short celebration will be held recognizing the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood and the closing of the history vault to preserve the collected memories.
Star Spangled Quilts
The America 250-Colorado 150 celebration presents an opportunity to showcase a collection of quilts dubbed the Star Spangled Quilt exhibition.
These quilts will celebrate the founding of our country — one quilt honors the bicentennial anniversary of our nation, a redwork top records early history of Archuleta County and one quilt celebrates the millennium, among others.
The collection
The majority of the items on display were found, used or produced in the area, including metal art and fossils of the extinct mosasaur — an aquatic reptile, which was discovered in Archuleta County.
A few of the exhibitions available to view at the museum include logging and railroad, a plethora of old photographs, a general store, ranching and textiles.
Connect
The museum is located a short walk from downtown at 96 Pagosa St. (the corner of U.S. 160 and 1st Street).
Donations are accepted to offset the operating expenses. The museum relies on private funding and grants to operate, and all donations are greatly appreciated.
For updates or more information, visit www.pagosamuseum.org.
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