CU-Boulder hosting Colorado Communities scanning event and consultations with historical experts

The University of Colorado Boulder is celebrating Colorado history with a three-day scanning event for the Colorado Communities historical website and free consultations with experts on family history and genealogy.

The event is part of the Colorado Communities initiative, which is creating a website to document Colorado local history over the last century through photos, documents and other artifacts contributed by citizens. Hosted by the University Libraries and CU Heritage Center, the free community scanning will be at the University Memorial Center Dalton Trumbo Fountain Court April 7 through April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The website will feature primary sources that document the people, places and events that not only made the headlines, but also quietly shaped the lives of everyday citizens. It also will offer interactive timelines and maps allowing users to explore the collection as well as essays that place the materials in historical context. This digital collection will be of particular interest to students, educators, researchers, genealogists and others who explore various aspects of the state’s past.

Community members interested in participating are encouraged to bring up to five items for scanning. Suggested materials include photographs, letters, documents, postcards, scrapbooks or other memorabilia related to Colorado history over the last century. Participants do not need to part with the originals; technicians will scan the artifacts or download digital photos on-site. Contributors will receive a copy of the digitized materials and the Colorado Communities team will keep one for inclusion in the website.

The following activities also will be held in connection with the scanning event:

• Your Colorado Treasures
Tuesday, April 7, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Terry King, senior appraiser at Connoisseur Appraisers, will be on hand to evaluate memorabilia, portable antiques and fine art.

• Your Colorado Story
Wednesday, April 8, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Coloradans who don’t have pieces to digitize can still participate in the project by sharing stories about life in Colorado or family lore at an audio-video station. These digital recordings also will be included on the Colorado Communities website.

• Your Colorado Quest
Thursday, April 9, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Jen Baldwin, genealogist and family historian (www.ancestraljourney.net), will be present to answer questions about conducting family and local history research.

Parking on campus is limited. Pay parking may be available in the Euclid Avenue Autopark or along 18th Street.

For more information about the scanning event contact Holley Long at [email protected] or 303-492-7513.