1776-2026 Uplifting Inclusive Portrayals of America’s Heritage

As we mark the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence's signing, we look back on the intertwined history of our state and our nation. Denver Public Library's collection of historic photographs, manuscripts, and objects capture the life and culture of the Rocky Mountain West in its first 150 years.
America's story is defined by four forces: the histories and sovereignty of our first peoples, waves of exploration, cycles of innovation and its impacts, and protests that challenged injustice and reshaped the power of the people.