Hands-On History is a collection of engaging and exciting education programs. They provide participatory history and culture-based offerings for students from grades 1 to 8 (ages 6 to 14) when school classes aren’t in session. Offered at multiple locations across Colorado throughout the calendar year, each program’s curriculum focuses on hands-on, experiential-style explorations and offers interactive classes with themes and topics specifically tailored to each community.

Tuition assistance is available, and can cover up to 70% of enrollment cost. 

History Colorado Members and History Buffs Fourth Grade Members save 10%. Become a member today!

See below for seasonal and location program details. Questions? Contact Tamara Trujillo at tamara.trujillo@state.co.us.

Spring Friday Classes 

Be on the lookout for Spring Friday Classes available at multiple locations:  

• El Pueblo History Museum: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Dec. 29; General registration for the public opens Jan. 5
• Fort Garland: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Dec. 1; General registration for the public opens Dec. 7

Spring Break Camp

Be on the lookout for Spring Break Camp available at multiple locations:  

• History Colorado Center: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Jan. 8; General registration for the public opens Jan. 15
• El Pueblo History Museum: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Feb. 12; General registration for the public opens Feb. 16
• Fort Garland: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Feb. 9; General registration for the public opens Feb. 16
• Trinidad History Museum: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Feb. 12; General registration for the public opens Feb. 16
• Ute Indian Museum: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Mar. 6; General registration for the public opens Mar. 12

Summer Camp 

Be on the lookout for Summer Camp available at multiple locations:  

• History Colorado Center: Priority registration for members and past campers opens Feb. 12; General registration for the public opens Feb. 19
• El Pueblo History Museum: Registration to be Announced
• Fort Garland: Registration to be Announced
• Trinidad History Museum: Registration to be Announced
• Ute Indian Museum: Registration to be Announced

Winter Break Camp

We are busy planning Winter Break Camps at multiple locations:  

• History Colorado Center: Registration to be Announced
• El Pueblo History Museum: Registration to be Announced
• Fort Garland: Registration to be Announced
• Trinidad History Museum: Registration to be Announced
• Ute Indian Museum: Registration to be Announced

We offer a wide range of programs for educators and their students.

Online exhibits make Colorado history come alive through creative presentation of authentic artifacts, historical images, and audio-visual materials. Interactive and social media components provide forums for conversation relating past themes and issues to contemporary life.

Complete a series of online activities to earn Digital Badges for your Mozilla Backpack. More resources for teachers are below.

Access all online exhibits here.

History education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. During these challenging times, History Colorado offers a variety of engaging in-person and online learning opportunities for all ages. Aligned to academic standards and anchored in meaningful discourse, virtual field trips, rentable programs, and other digital resources provide school students with rich primary sources and critical thinking wherever they learn.