Virtual Presentations for 2020
PBS Colorado Experience: Glen Eyrie Castle
Shaun Boyd on Florence Martin: An Unbelievable Life
Shaun Boyd on Colorado’s Role in the Campaign for Women’s Suffrage
John Berry & Ron Claussen on The Lucas Homestead
Ron Claussen on Native Americans in Colorado
Cindy Welch on her local paintings
May 2020
Since we were unable to host in-person presentations in the spring, we made a short virtual presentation featuring Ron Claussen on Native Americans in Colorado. Check it out at https://youtu.be/QMqpNeClaVY
February 10, 2020
Jim Hansmann spoke on The Gold Fever that struck the nation and brought thousands of people to the wonderful territory of Colorado. Jim is the Collections Curator at The Castle Rock Museum and is author of a walking tour book of Castle Rock.
January 9, 2020
Cindy Malone educated everyone once again with a new PBS video about the sheep & cattle wars. We learned about the “bloody grass” battlefields of the Old West’s longest feud over grazing and water rights. And about the gunfights, court cases and massacres that gave rise to the classic American contest of cowboy versus sheep man. There was even a feud here in Castle Rock.
November 14, 2019
We celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railway by showing the film, “Journey to Promontory. This hour-long film tells the story of America’s first transcontinental railroad. Learn how this incredible feat took place in 1869, unifying the country with a railroad from East to West with a final symbolic Golden Spike.
September 2019
Cindy Malone spoke and showed a PBS film about the Colorado State Penitentiary in Canon City. Colorado’s Canon City and Florence may be best known for Prison Valley, where inmates outnumber residents. But it all started with a tiny territorial prison without a wall, so that inmates could labor in the nearby fields.
August 8, 2019
Kim & Bruce Decker spoke about the many years they have spent renovating the historic Hammar House here in Castle Rock. The rhyolite house was built in 1881 by Benjamin Hammar. It was later purchased by Dr. George Alexander for use as his office and home.
The Deckers have performed much of the work themselves to maintain the historic elements of the home while stabilizing and preserving it for future generations.
July 11, 2019
Sgt. Attila Denes from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office spoke on the history of the Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Denes has been with the DCSO for over 30 years and has worked in all areas of the sheriff’s office. He has been the agency’s historian since 1991. Come hear stories from the first sheriff in 1862 to our current Sheriff, Tony Spurlock. Douglas County is rich with history and stories of the old west.
June 13, 2019
We took a glimpse at history with Sid Langsam’s own movie “Operation: Speed”. This great movie takes a look at all the action at the Continental Divide Raceways here in Castle Rock back in the 1960’s. CDR was a well known race track for racers of all types. People came from near and far to see racecars of all types, dragsters, and motorcycles. Sid Langsam was the owner of CDR and made a short film about the race track.
May 16, 2019
Author, Jim Hansmann spoke about his book “Castle Rock, An Architectural & Historic Walking Tour”. Jim is the Collections Curator at The Castle Rock Museum. He has an MA in History and a minor in Museum Studies. He’s been with the Museum for over 8 years and has learned a lot about the history of Castle Rock. He told stories of the old courthouse fire, the first church in town, the wild times at the Keystone Hotel and many more fun stories.
April 11, 2019
We had an exciting experience back to the Old West. Nationally acclaimed re-enactor, Jeff Norman entertained guests as Buffalo Bill Cody. Jeff guided us down the untamed frontier trail that was Buffalo Bill’s life, in a costumed one-man play that’s as entertaining as it is informative.
February 13, 2019
Mary Lou Fenton spoke about Wellspring. Did you realize that there is a thriving community in Castle Rock that serves people with Down Syndrome, Autism and other special needs? And these special people are incredibly artistically gifted! You’ve probably passed their special place dozens of times and not known it. Wellspring Community is a Castle Rock non-profit offering an innovative and life-giving program to adults with special needs. Wellspring Founder, Mary Lou Fenton, started the organization in her kitchen in 2008 to help create a better future for her own daughter with developmental disabilities. Today Wellspring operates a bakery, café, art studio, gardens and offers more than 30 enrichment opportunities to these creative and gifted adults. They serve over 80 adults from five counties and will be expanding to Colorado Springs in 2019.
January 10, 2019
A presentation by former El Paso County Sheriff, John Anderson on his book about “Rankin Scott Kelly, 1st Sheriff El Paso County, Colorado Territory 18-61 – 1867”. Kelly traveled west along the Santa Fe trail in 1860 with a wagon train of about 50 people. Scott Kelly was appointed Sheriff in 1861 and his first duty was to take on the Salt Lake City Jim Gang which was his first of many gunfights with outlaws and hostile Indians. John Anderson is an author, artist, consultant and former local Lawman himself.
November 8, 2018
Author, Cindy Brick spoke on her book “Ghosts & Legends of Colorado’s Front Range”. Have you ever heard of ghostly sightings at such places as Hell Tree outside Fort Collins, a murderer stalking the halls of the Greeley Courthouse, and floating heads in the Capital Building? Cindy Brick talked about these tales and more gripping stories.
October 11, 2018
Larry Schlupp from Historic Douglas County spoke on the Goodnight Legacies. Primarily a self-educated man, Charles Goodnight possessed a strong entrepreneurial mind and superb innovating attributes to become successful and a key contributing factor in the growth of the cattle industry. Goodnight created a trail to bring cattle from Texas on Northward, even coming through Douglas County and is depicted in the Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove series.
September 12, 2018
Edward Wallace as Mountain Man, James Beckwourth. Beckwourth was an amazing figure in Colorado history whose story you’ve probably never heard. Beckwourth was born a slave and grew to lead an astonishing life as a trapper, colleague of Kit Carson, founder of Pueblo, trailblazer for the California-bound prospectors and much more. His program was a real treat and has garnered rave reviews. His trip back to the past has been described as mesmerizing and unforgettable.
August 9, 2018
John Carson as his great grandfather Kit Carson. John Carson is a ranger for the National Park Service at Bent’s Fort and is well versed in the life of his great grandfather.
July 12, 2018
Sue Langdon did a presentation as 19th Century explorer, writer, photographer and naturalist, Isabella Bird. In 1873 Isabella Bird began an adventure from England that would eventually take her through Colorado and even Douglas County.
June 14, 2018
Senior Historian, Lisa Schoch from CDOT did a presentation on the 50th Anniversary of the first blast to start the construction of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70.
May 19, 2018
Jerry Persall gave a presentation about mountain man, Kit Carson and his early influences in Colorado before Castle Rock was a Town.
April 12, 2018
Kent Brandebery presented the movie “The Stephen Long Expedition” for which he helped create the musical score.
March 7,2018
Movie & Popcorn night featuring movies on the history of Douglas County, the Cherokee Ranch and the moving of the Castle Rock Train Depot which is now the Castle Rock Museum.
February 8, 2018
Ray Baier gave a presentation on Rev. John L. Dyer. Dyer was an early day immigrant, a minister to remote mining camps, and recognized as one of the sixteen “founders” of Colorado.
January 9, 2018
Cindy Malone of the Malone Media Group showed a documentary about the old 1950’s mining town of Uravan on the Western Slope. The town eventually disappeared.
November 9, 2017
Teri Johnson graced us with a tribute to Mary Elitch who founded Elitch Gardens in Denver. For more than a century Elitch’s was one of the most popular entertainment destinations in Colorado.
October 12, 2017
It was another ghostly presentation for October. Shaun Boyd from the Douglas County Library gave a presentation about ghostly happenings in Douglas County and a paranormal study done on the Castle Rock Museum.
September, 14, 2017
We had a very interesting presentation by Bart Berger of the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation. He created the foundation years ago to help to serve as an advocate for Denver Mountain Parks in hopes of improving and maximizing the potential of the park system’s 14,000 acres.
August 10, 2017
Our presenter was Dick Kreck on his book “Rich People Behaving Badly”. Learn about the notorious characters that came through Colorado and the legends that followed them including gangster, Diamond Jack who hid out in Douglas County for awhile.
July 13, 2017
This presentation was on Guts and Glory: Modern Medicine and Surgery During the Civil War. Featuring Dr. Bob Malin, who will spoke about Civil War medical and surgical practices during the American Civil War. Dr. Malin discussed myths of “bitten bullets”, whiskey anesthesia, barbaric practices. Dr. Malin is a retired surgeon who practiced in Anchorage, Alaska and retired to Santa Fe, NM.
June 8, 2017
Our presentation was by local historian Jerry Persall about the “Soul Melting Scenery” in our area. He discussed the beautiful scenery of the area.
May 11, 2017
Dr. Max Frazier gave a presentation about the book “One of Ours” by Willa Cather. A Pulitzer Prize winning novel about a young Nebraska man who enlists in World War I in order to find purpose and freedom. Dr. Frazier is retiring as an Associate Professor of English and Senior Military Faculty member at the U. S. Air Force Academy. She specializes in autobiography and women writing from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century.
April 13, 2017
Dr. Jack Ballard talked about the history of Fort Logan Army Base. Most people think only of the cemetery at Fort Logan, but nearby there are fine, substantial brick buildings that mark the remains of a once-bustling military post. Dr. Ballard holds a PhD in American history from UCLA, taught history at the Air Force Academy, served a career in the Air Force and worked at Martin Marietta Corp.
March 9, 2017
Our presenter was Roger Hadix of the Colorado Vintage Baseball Association. Mr. Hadix discussed his book about old-time baseball along the Front Range and how the CVBA still plays baseball with the old-time rules, uniforms and bats, etc.
Feb. 9, 2017
Our presenter was Rebecca Schwendler. PHD., RPA from Paleo West Archaeology. She discussed the old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp located in Castle Rock and the survey that was done for the current “Terrain” development in that location. During the Great Depression the CCC built dams and other infrastructure in the Castle Rock area. The camp included many buildings and even a baseball diamond.
Jan. 12, 2017
Our presenter was Ed Weising. He spoke about humorous hoaxes, sleazy scams & scurrilous schemes in Colorado history. In this entertaining presentation, we learned about the crazy things that people believed that bilked them out of their life’s savings during the early years of Colorado. Hoaxes and scams were prevalent during the 19th century including the great “diamond hoax” and “McGinty,” the petrified man.
Dec. 8, 2016
Our presenter was Author Rhonda Beck about the history of Denver’s Union Station. She explores the history and stories behind one of the Mile High City’s most iconic historic landmarks. In 1881 Denver’s Union Station opened as the largest structure west of the Mississippi. The station welcomed people from all walks of life, from pioneers and miners to U.S. presidents and Buffalo Bill Cody – and even royalty from abroad.
Nov. 10, 2016
Our presenter was Lisette Clemons from the Arlington Ladies of Arlington National Cemetery. The Arlington Ladies are a group of volunteers who attend funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery to ensure that no Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Coast Guardsman is buried alone. The ladies are an official part of the funeral service, representing the military service’s chief of staff or equivalent. The ladies present cards of condolence to the next of kin from the military service chief and spouse on behalf of the service family, and from the Arlington Lady herself.
Oct. 13, 2016
Our speaker was Shaun Boyd from the Douglas County Library. She regaled everyone with stories of ghostly happenings in Castle Rock and Douglas County.
Sept. 8, 2016
Please join us on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016 for a presentation by local author, Jeff Miller. He will discuss his book, “Behind the Lines” about Herbert Hoover’s amazing efforts to save the Belgian people from starvation during the German occupation between 1914-18. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
Aug. 11, 2016
Please join us on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 for a presentation about famed railroad painter, Howard Fogg. His children will discuss his life and accomplishments. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104
June 9, 2016
Please join us on Thursday, June 9, 2016 for a presentation by Historic Douglas County, Inc. about the history of Douglas County, “In the Beginning”. Speakers will include Jim Weglarz, Tim Weber, Larry Schlupp and Blake Graham. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
May 12, 2016
Please join us on Thursday, May 12, 2016 for a presentation by the Deputy State Librarian of New Mexico, Joy Poole. Mrs. Poole recently edited the fascinating travel diaries of a doctor who traveled the Santa Fe Trail in 1825 and recorded his encounters with natives, mountain men, traders, clergy and others. The book, “Over the Santa Fe Trail to Mexico: The Travel Diaries and Autobiography of Dr. Rowland Willard”, brings alive the truly wild west way before most of it was settled, at a time when John Quincy Adams was president and Missouri was the westernmost state of the 24 in the Union. Plus, she will bring a water color of what Castle Rock looked like in 1821 as the Stephen Long expedition saw and recorded it. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
April 14, 2016
Please join us on Thursday, April 14, 2016 for a presentation by renowned broadcaster and former Channel 9 News anchor, Ed Sardella. He will discuss interesting news stories he has covered in his career and how news has evolved over the decades. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
March 10, 2016
Please join us on Thursday, March 10, 2016 for a Tribute to Silent Movies in honor of the Academy Awards. Come enjoy a 21 minute Buster Keaton movie and some Oscar Trivia. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Please note that the location will be in the conference room at The Douglas County Fairgrounds Events Center 500 Fairgrounds Dr. Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
February 11, 2016
Please join us on Thursday February 11, 2016 for a Member participation evening on “Love is in the Air”. We’re asking people to bring in vintage valentine’s and other memorabilia about love in your family. You can bring in old wedding photos of your parents or grandparents and share stories of how they met. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
January 14, 2016
Please join us on Thursday January 14, 2016 for a presentation by Paula Lasky from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Have you ever wondered if you could be part of the DAR? Ms. Lasky will be speaking on how to trace your ancestors to see if you could be part of the newly formed chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Castle Rock. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104.
December 10, 2015
Please join us on Thursday December 10, 2015 for a presentation by Joe Clements. He will be speaking about WWI. Mr. Clements is part of a group that gives OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) lectures for older learners who want to keep learning throughout life. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. Admission if free.
November 12, 2015
Please join us on Thursday November 12, 2015 for a presentation by Nathan Boyles. He will be speaking on the Lamp Spring Archaeological site that is located by Chatfield Reservoir. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free.
October 8, 2015
Please join us on Thursday October 8, 2015 for a presentation from Laura Ruttum from History Colorado, speaking on the Steven Hart Library that is located in the History Colorado Museum. . Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free.
September 10, 2015
Please join us on Thursday September 10, 2015 for a presentation from Reagan Harper from the Colorado State Library, she will be sharing information about their online project, Colorado Historic Newspapers. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free.
August 13, 2015
Please join us on Thursday August 13, 2015 for a presentation from Doris McCraw, of the Colorado Chautauqua. She will be speaking on poet and writer Helen Hunt Jackson, who was an activist for the better treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. Government and she is buried in Colorado Springs. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free.
July 9, 2015
Join us on Thursday July 9, 2015 for a presentation on Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin: Space and Rocketry in Douglas County. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free.
June 11, 2015
Join us on Thursday June 11, 2015 for a presentation on the 1965 flood of Castle Rock. Panelists will be sharing their stories from fifty years ago when Castle Rock was flooded. Attendee’s are also invited to share their stories. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free.
May 14, 2015
Join us on Thursday May 14, 2015 for a presentation from Mary Taylor Young on the 100th anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, castlerockhistoricalsociety.org
April 9, 2015
Join us on Thursday, April 9, 2015 for a presentation from Karen Kidd on the American Federation of Human Rights. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, castlerockhistoricalsociety.org
March 12, 2015
Join us during Woman’s History Month for a presentation from Shaun Boyd on the Women of Douglas County. Thursday, March 12, 2015. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104 For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum (303) 814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, castlerockhistoricalsociety.org
February 12, 2015
Join us on February 12, 2015 for a presentation from local author Carron Barella on the book “More than 36 Days”. The stories of three men who served as US Marines during WWII in the battle for Iwa Jima island. She will be joined by WWII veteran Jim Blaine, who’s stories appear in the book. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104 For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum at (303) 814-3164, Museum@CastleRockHistoricalSociety.org
January 8, 2015
Grab your popcorn and join us on Thursday January 8, 2015 for a Double Feature!! January’s presentation will be a viewing of two of DC8’s films. The Monster of Plum Creek, and the Castle Rock UFO. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum at (303) 814-3164, Museum@CastleRockHistoricalSociety.org
November 13, 2014
Bob Easterly presents from his book “By an Act of Congress” A story on one of Colorado’s earliest pioneers Lewis Henry Easterly (Bob’s great-grandfather) an Illinois school teacher who moved west to the new state of Colorado in 1878 and lived in Douglas County. November 13, 2014 at the Philip S. miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum at (303) 814-3164, Museum@CastleRockHistoricalSociety.org
October 9, 2014
Join us for a presentation from Ed Bathke on the history of the Roxborough area located in Douglas County. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum at (303) 814-3164, Museum@CastleRockHistoricalSociety.org
September 11,2014
Dennis Potter will share on the Adolph Coors III murder that occurred in 1960. Refreshments will be served at 6:45 pm with the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. Philip S. Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox Street Castle Rock, Co. 80104. For more information contact the Castle Rock Museum at (303) 814-3164, Museum@CastleRockHistoricalSociety.org