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“William brings a broad global perspective alongside an encyclopedic interest in Colorado to the  role of State Historian,” said Jason Hanson, chief creative officer and director of interpretation and research at History Colorado. “He is passionate about how historical perspective can help us see the present more clearly and in ways that can truly improve people’s lives. I am excited for him to share his knowledge and passion with the people of Colorado as the State Historian once again.” 

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Wei has held various national and international fellowships, authored multiple books and dozens of articles, and is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on Asian American and Asian immigrant History in Colorado, as well as an expert on Chinese history. In addition to his work on the State Historian’s Council, Dr. Wei is the founding editor-in-chief of History Colorado’s Colorado Encyclopedia, was the lead advisor for the organization’s Zoom In: The Centennial State in 100 Objects exhibition, and authored the exhibition's companion book – Becoming Colorado: The Centennial State in 100 Objects.

“Being appointed the Colorado State Historian for the second time is an honor,” Dr. Wei said. “As was true the first time, I am deeply committed to serving as a guardian of Colorado's history. ensuring the accurate representation of historical events, and promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Centennial State's past.”

Following the rotation of the role of State Historian, Dr. Claire Oberon Garcia will continue to serve on the State Historian’s Council. A member of the State Historian’s Council since 2022, Dr. Garcia brought a fresh focus on Black history to the State Historian role and was able to direct attention to ongoing research into Green Book travel in Colorado and History Colorado’s Blaxplanation program. 

“As a scholar and teacher of the African diaspora, I have been happy to contribute my perspectives to the rich conversations held by the State Historian’s Council and at a variety of the Council’s activities throughout the state,” Dr. Garcia said. “It continues to be an honor to participate in advancing History Colorado’s commitment to expanding our knowledge of Colorado’s complex, diverse and inspiring shared history.” 

Among the highlights of Dr. Garcia’s rotation as state historian was the hundreds of community members she was able to engage with in her quest to better understand and appreciate Colorado’s past, present, and future. In the coming year she looks forward to working with Dr. Wei as the Council continues to expand our understanding of the Centennial State, particularly in regards to the contributions of marginalized communities whose histories have been underrepresented by museums and historical societies. 

“Dr. William Wei is a leader in his field, and he is full of imaginative ideas about how to further History Colorado’s mission through projects and exhibitions,” Dr. Garcia. “He has a long record of generating and sharing original scholarship and is a powerful and compelling voice for history’s role in a thriving, inclusive democracy.”

Meet Dr. William Wei
Among Dr. Wei’s focuses for the coming year are promoting a historical record that is diverse and inclusive, evaluating the role immigration played in the development of Colorado, and facilitating a broader look at our country’s foundational principles.

“I want to focus on the evolution of American democracy, especially our long-term experiment, as set forth in the preamble to the Constitution, ‘to form a more perfect union’ appropriate for the age,” Dr. Wei said.

This exploration of Colorado’s development and the foundational idea of our nation is something Wei hopes will inspire others to understand the privileges and obligations of citizenship better.

“One of my primary responsibilities is to promote the role of history as part of a well-rounded education and the discipline's importance,” Dr. Wei said. “Historical knowledge enables us to comprehend the roots and consequences of current events, understand the development of social structures and institutions, and foster critical thinking skills. Perhaps most importantly, history represents our collective memory and shared experiences as a community and nation.”

Dr. Wei shared the following vision and goals for his role as State Historian, while answering the following questions:

What do you consider to be a significant moment in Colorado history and why?
“A significant moment in Colorado’s history is the Women's Suffrage Referendum. On November 7, 1893, Colorado voters approved a referendum granting women full suffrage rights. This made Colorado the first state to give women unrestricted voting rights through a popular vote. This event catalyzed the suffrage movement across the nation and paved the way for future advancements in women's rights. Remembering this historical event is essential today as there is a documented historical precedent of social change being met with countering responses that seek to restore the previous status quo and we do not want the hard-earned rights of women and others to be eroded"

Why is the work being done by the State Historian’s Council important?
“It is a matter of scope. The State Historian’s Council can reach the entire state through its writings for History Colorado publications. The Council also serves as an advisor to government agencies, educational institutions, and the public. One example is our role in researching the names of places in Denver when changes are proposed and serving on the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board, which reviews the names of geographic sites throughout the state. Through the numerous outreach activities in which members of the State Historian’s Council participate, the Council serves and educates communities across the state.”

How do you see the work of historians and journalists overlapping and what would you like to see change with regards to how history is shared, and covered by the media?
“The media and studying history have always been interconnected. After all, the media disseminates historical information, influences public perception, and serves as a primary source for historians. What it produces is sometimes referred to as the first draft of history. Its interpretations can often shape collective memory and public consciousness.

At the same time, historical research is essential in providing context and critical analysis to understand media narratives. Indeed, it is the only way to correct stereotypical portrayals and the dissemination of erroneous information. The intersection of these two fields is essential in constructing an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the past. 

Given the highly polarized times we live in, I think one of the most significant challenges facing historians is the influence of social media on the news cycle and public perceptions. Social media has provided a platform for the wide dissemination of information - historical and otherwise -  but without the accountability of conventional media where standards of truthfulness and objectivity have to be maintained."

What does being the State Historian for your final year on the council mean to you and what are your next steps following your time on the council?
“I could not think of a better way to end my stint on the State Historian’s Council than to serve as the 2024-2025 Colorado State Historian. Working with my colleagues on the Council and the History Colorado staff has been a privilege. I have learned much from them and gained a profound appreciation for what History Colorado has done in preserving and promoting the Centennial State’s historical heritage.  

After leaving the Council, I intend to stay active in working on local Colorado history projects, especially those involving Asian Pacific American communities. I plan to pursue further research on Asian Pacific American and Colorado history. Since my primary teaching field is modern Chinese history, I am working on a book-length manuscript tentatively titled ‘Hong Kong since the Handover: A History of Protests,’ which I plan to complete in the year following my service on the council”

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 145-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado