Portrait of Colorado at 150 Storytelling Initiative

History Colorado is launching a statewide oral history project to highlight Colorado stories in 2026 for the America 250 - Colorado 150 sesquisemiquincentennial. Through this initiative, there will be opportunities to increase representation and voices in Colorado’s documented history; equip communities with skills, tools, and training; empower local communities to collect and share stories through oral history. Together, we will co-curate at least 150 stories representing every region in our state. These invaluable contributions will add much needed knowledge to History Colorado’s permanent collection and will be highlighted in various ways to celebrate this once in a lifetime commemoration. In this session, History Colorado’s Associate Curator of Arts & Leisure and John W. Emery Family Associate Curator of Oral History, Kim Kennedy White, Ph.D., will present on this new initiative and provide you with guidance on how to preserve and document any oral history. Attendees will learn where to find online resources and information about planning and carrying out oral history collection projects. History Colorado’s approach to oral history is informed by the best practices of the Library of Congress and the Oral History Association. We invite you to join us in commemorating Colorado’s 150th anniversary by participating in the Portrait of Colorado at 150 Storytelling Initiative!