History Lesson

Too often, history is relegated to dusty stacks of books bloated with abstract ideas that make the past feel so distant, only a devoted few are inspired to approach it. But History Colorado’s Shawn Snow says that objects are a powerful way to connect with our stories, which is why...

By Kyle Harris

June 12, 2014

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Too often, history is relegated to dusty stacks of books bloated with abstract ideas that make the past feel so distant, only a devoted few are inspired to approach it. But History Colorado’s Shawn Snow says that objects are a powerful way to connect with our stories, which is why he’s thrilled that world-renowned speaker Dr. Richard Kurin will be visiting the museum to talk about his new book, The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Object Lectures.

“He’ll be talking about objects from across the spectrum, from pre-contact with Europeans all the way to the present day. He touches on the huge depth of history across the continent,” Snow says. Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Harriet Tubman’s hymnal and César Chávez’s union jacket are just a few of the evocative items that Kurin writes about in his book. “We put objects in our exhibits, and they help folks understand our story,” Snow continues. “That’s what History Colorado is all about — telling the stories of the people who lived here.”

Kurin will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway. Tickets are $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, call 303-866-2394 or go to historycolorado.org.
Tue., June 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m., 2014

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