March is National Women’s History Month, and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM) is proud to join organizations across the country in commemorations that examine the vital role of women in American history. The CSPM tells stories of local women throughout its galleries:
CSPM Exhibits
50% of the Story: Women Expressing Creativity
Women have always been creative. Women have always been artistic. Women have always been artists. Yet, their work has remained largely unrecognized. 50% of the Story: Women Expressing Creativity invites visitors to explore how throughout time women have always told their stories through art and creativity.
COS@150
COS@150: Exploring Colorado Springs’ Story Through Objects shares the stories of dozens of local women including Maude McFerran Price, Lulu Stroud Pollard, Julie Penrose, Fannie Mae Duncan, Judy Noyes, Bee Vradenburg, “Mama” Susie Perkins, and the women of the Colorado Springs Civic League.
Una Familia Grande: The Conejos Neighborhood Project
A community-based exhibit, Una Familia Grande: The Conejos Neighborhood Project uses artifacts, photographs, and stories to put this once vibrant neighborhood back on the map. Former residents Ruth Melena, Josie Ontiveros, and Josie Ornelas share their unique perspectives of living in this historic neighborhood southwest of downtown.
A Home of One's Own: The Life of Helen Hunt Jackson
A Home of One’s Own: The Life of Helen Hunt Jackson examines the famous nineteenth-century American author’s life, work, friendships, literary and personal influences, family, and home in Colorado Springs through photographs, artifacts, documents, three original rooms of the Jackson House and an interactive touchscreen.
The Story of Us: The Pikes Peak Region A-Z
The Story of Us: The Pikes Peak Region A - Z encourages visitors to connect stories through their physical location in the permanent gallery digital interface and mobile device. Story of Us features stories of women including Julia Archibald Holmes, the talented women of Sankofa, the Vallejo Family, and Elvira among others.
Fannie Mae Duncan: An Unforgettable Life and Legacy
Everyone knew Fannie Mae Duncan – and they knew that “everybody was welcome” at her Cotton Club on West Colorado Avenue in downtown Colorado Springs. Fannie Mae Duncan: An Unforgettable Life and Legacy features artifacts and collectibles from Fannie Mae Duncan’s home and business to highlight her extraordinary and unforgettable life and legacy.
CSPM Events
Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region
Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 – Colorado 150 – anniversaries observing the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado’s entrance into the Union. Join a knowledgeable guide on this 1-hour tour, exploring how we have “marked time” throughout the history of Colorado Springs. Consider different regional anniversaries through objects and stories, and reflect on your own memories and observations of important events and dates.
From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and The Story of America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful may be America’s most beloved song. But few know about the fascinating life of the writer behind it.
This film explores the rich life of poet, professor and social reformer Katharine Lee Bates, author of AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Bates’ story reminds us of the beauty and ideals of our nation as well as its shortcomings, and honors the unbroken chain of Americans striving to live up to those ideals.
PopUp Choir - America the Beautiful
Members of the community are invited to perform as part of a patriotic PopUp Choir, to commemorate the America 250/Colorado 150 anniversaries. In the summer of 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was in Colorado Springs teaching English at the Colorado Summer School at Colorado College. Along with a group of colleagues, she made the trip to the top of Pikes Peak, where she would create the first draft of her poem "America the Beautiful." Celebrate and reflect on Bates' words through this immersive musical experience, hosted by the Colorado Springs Youth Choir.