Josh Cogar and Casey Kaza install exhibit structures for the upcoming “Freedom to Thrive” exhibit.
Happy Historic Preservation Month! Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1973, historic preservation week – now month – promotes community pride, historic and heritage tourism, as well as highlighting the civic, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits of preserving historic structures. As you know, the former 1903 El Paso County Courthouse is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and is the most important artifact of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.
In 2024, as part of our enormous HVAC & building renovation project, the Division III courtroom was renovated as a brand-new exhibition gallery. Previously used for collections storage and exhibit preparation, the space had never been open to the public since the museum moved into the building in 1979. With adjustable gallery lighting, new paint that was matched to the original 1903 color, extensive repair of the woodwork, ceiling, and plasterwork, protective window shades, and new carpeting, the room is ready to be reimagined as the home of Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs, opening Saturday, August 1.
As you might remember, the justice-themed mural above the judge’s bench in the Division III courtroom was cleaned and stabilized in 2024 by staff from the Western Center for Conservation of Fine Art (WCCFA) in Denver. This special conservation project was made possible through the generous support of the History Colorado State Historical Fund and the Clock Tower Society. After the HVAC & building renovation project, we opened an “open storage concept” exhibit of the CSPM’s costume, jewelry, hat, and shoe collections titled Accessorize It! The exhibit proved popular with our visitors who loved looking through a “treasure trove” of material culture, before closing late last year.
In preparation for Freedom to Thrive, extensive building has taken place within the gallery. For many months, Josh Cogar, CSPM maintenance technician, has been skillfully building walls to line the gallery perimeter. Anchored into the plaster above the historic woodwork, the new walls form a protective barrier allowing us to attach vinyl, drill holes for plexiglass cases, and hammer in nails. Most importantly, the walls can be removed in the future to reveal the full beauty of the former courtroom. Alongside Josh, Casey Kaza, CSPM museum customer service specialist supervisor has also been working in the gallery to help erect walls, prime and paint, and assist in gallery preparation. Both Josh and Casey are outstanding examples of teamwork and dedication – helping the museum fulfill its mission. I hope that when you are next at the museum, you take a moment to thank them for their hard work – that is if you see them. They’ll probably be busy in the gallery!
"Freedom to Thrive" public opening is on Colorado Day!
Leah Davis Witherow, Curator of History
719.385.5649 | Leah.Witherow@coloradosprings.gov