Colorado Historians Launch Project to Uncover Hidden History of Slavery's Western Connections
A new initiative by Colorado historians and researchers aims to help local families explore and understand their historical connections to slavery, including lesser-known ties between Western territories and Northern states during America's pre-Civil War era.
The Colorado Historical Society, in partnership with History Colorado and local universities, is launching a groundbreaking project to help Centennial State residents research their family histories and acknowledge complex historical truths about slavery's reach beyond the South.
Local Impact and Resources
The project will provide free genealogical research tools to Colorado families through public libraries in Colorado Springs, Denver, and other major cities across the state. Local historians emphasize that understanding this history is crucial for Colorado communities.
"As Western states like Colorado were being settled, many families brought complex histories with them from both Northern and Southern states. Understanding these connections helps us build more inclusive communities today," explains Dr. Maria Sanders, lead historian at History Colorado.
Educational Initiatives
The project includes:
- Free workshops at local libraries across Colorado
- Digital access to historical records through Colorado's public library system
- Educational materials for Colorado schools
- Community discussion forums in major cities
According to History Colorado, the initiative will help Colorado families better understand their own histories while contributing to a more complete picture of how Western states were shaped by national events.
Community Response
Local community leaders see this as an opportunity for Colorado to lead the way in honest historical dialogue. The project will include special programs at the Pioneer Museum in Colorado Springs and the History Colorado Center in Denver, helping residents explore their family histories while contributing to a broader understanding of our state's diverse historical foundations.
The initiative launches next month with workshops in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Fort Collins, with plans to expand to other communities across the state by year's end.
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