Golden History Museums: Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

As part of our celebration of museums and their cultural impact, we’re spotlighting the Golden History Museums in Golden, Colorado. This trio of museum sites offers immersive experiences that reflect innovation, resilience, and community spirit.

We spoke with Shelly Bleckley, Visitor Services Coordinator, to learn more about the museum’s story, exhibits, and the role MOVA Globes play in their retail experience.

The Origins of Golden History Museums

The museum first opened in 1939 as the Jefferson County Museum and has since evolved through various locations and names. In 2010, it came under the management of the City of Golden, combining three sites:

• Golden History Center – a gallery-based museum
• Clear Creek History Park – featuring original log buildings from the Pearce Homestead
• Astor House Museum – an 1867 boarding house currently under renovation

All three sites are located within a few blocks along Clear Creek in downtown Golden.

A Day in Visitor Services

As Visitor Services Coordinator, Shelly wears many hats. Her responsibilities include overseeing customer service operations, maintaining facilities, managing retail purchasing and merchandising, and handling ticketing and reporting systems.

What Makes Golden’s History Unique?

Golden’s story mirrors the broader history of Colorado. Founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush, it later served as the territorial capital. The town has long been shaped by industry and innovation—from the Coors brewery to the Colorado School of Mines.

It’s also the site where the first identified T-Rex fossil was discovered.

What Visitors Can Expect

The Golden History Center currently features engaging exhibits such as:

• Made in Golden – showcasing local innovation and invention
• Tune It Up – exploring music and local soundscapes
• Show and Tell – highlighting objects and stories from the collection

Clear Creek History Park is open daily and offers a scenic, relaxed outdoor experience, while the Astor House Museum will soon reopen with a focus on boarding house life in America.

Most Popular Exhibit

The standout exhibit is currently Made in Golden, known for its interactive and surprising elements. Visitors can even use an Epilog Laser etcher to create their own souvenir.

Engaging the Community

The museum’s vision is to foster a community that values and engages with its history. Programs like Building Colorado involve students in decision-making activities, while adult programs encourage deeper exploration of the town’s past and future.

Discovering MOVA Globes

Shelly first encountered MOVA Globes at the Denver Trade Mart and was immediately drawn to their unique motion and design.

As part of revitalizing the museum shop, she selected items that complemented a bookstore-style retail approach—MOVA Globes fit perfectly, offering both aesthetic appeal and strong customer interest.

Customer Reactions

Visitors are often curious about how the globes work. A favorite moment is handing one to older children and watching their surprise as it continues to rotate in their hands.

Favorite MOVA Globe

Shelly’s personal favorite is the Earth with Clouds MOVA Globe.

Its rich colors and lifelike design create the impression that the weather might change as it turns.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the museum is preparing to launch a new exhibit titled Epic Events, which will explore the full scope of Golden’s history through interactive displays.

Future plans also include opening a research lab and reopening the Astor House Museum with a refreshed interpretation.

Experience It for Yourself

While major museums draw global attention, smaller institutions like Golden History Museums offer something uniquely personal—an intimate look into the past, present, and future of a community.

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