The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is not confined to the four stone walls of the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse. History is everywhere. Our History Stroll program helps guests to “stop and smell the roses” of Colorado Springs’ past. CSPM staff and volunteers guide visitors through the streets of historic downtown Colorado Springs, helping them discover the living landscape and built environment. This summer, a team of five volunteers – Fran, Katrina, Michael, Tanja, and Bruce – trained to lead our most recent History Stroll, “On a Cough and a Prayer: Tuberculosis and the City.” This dedicated group led 16 tours for locals, tourists, school children and more. Preparing for this tour is no small feat. Volunteers learned extended content on 10 different stops. They also had to connect their stories to historic photographs and find ways to engage a variety of different audiences. We want to recognize and share our gratitude for their time, enthusiasm, and commitment. Thank you!
As part of their recognition, we asked each of them to share their experiences in leading history strolls.
Why do you enjoy leading history strolls?
FRAN W. – I enjoy the wide variety of people on the tours and the opportunity to interact in small groups. Of course I enjoy being outside in our beautiful city too.
KATRINA M. – When I first moved to Colorado Springs, I was taken aback by the brown and dry environment. I had never lived in this kind of habitat before. Doing the tours helped me fall in love with my new home. I enjoy learning about the history of the city, its unique cast of characters, and the uses of various buildings over time. And getting to share that knowledge with others is a real pleasure!
BRUCE W. – The history strolls are so much fun. I enjoy seeing the tourers faces as they learn new tidbits about this great area. I enjoy learning about it, too.
MICHAEL C. – I like the interaction with various people – hearing about their interests, queries, observations. I also enjoy telling a well-developed, documented story. I think the strolls help make history relevant and engaging for the audience.
What is your favorite part of the "On a Cough and a Prayer" History Stroll?
TANJA B. – I don’t have one favorite stop. I think every stop on this tour is interesting and important in its own right. Each story we tell confirms that tuberculosis has been woven into the fabric of this community since its inception. We start by sharing the claims about the healthfulness of the local scenery and climate and discuss how many people who ended up living in Colorado came here solely because of the state’s and city’s reputation as a health resort, either because they or their family members were afflicted by the disease. We talk about the role of railroads in bringing tourists and health-seekers alike to the region, the construction of hotels and boarding houses to provide accommodations for health-seekers, and the social programs that were put into place to support those with limited means. We discuss the need for and role of physicians and other medical providers in caring for tuberculars, the evolution of treatment modalities over time, and the significant role of the various TB sanatoria not only for those afflicted with the disease but also for the economic development of Colorado Springs. We also give additional examples of industries that developed as a consequence of TB.
I really enjoyed the walking history tour 'On a Cough and a Prayer'. The presenters were great speakers and knew their material. I also appreciated that they took the time to answer all the questions. I've lived here a long time and loved that I learned a lot of new things about the Springs!
