This request continues the work originally reviewed and approved prior to the state budget crisis of 2001 and 2008. Plans call for a $2.4 million capital construction project scheduled to start this summer that will nearly double the size of the current facility. The expansion will serve to further highlight the native Ute people and their unique heritage and culture, allow for expanded interpretations of exhibits with help from the three regional Ute tribes, address space issues that come with outgrowing the current building, serve a growing community and schools through educational programs and gathering spaces, and support Montrose’s growing tourism efforts.

The museum is a place of civic and cultural pride where people can celebrate, discover, and participate in the rich cultural legacy of the Ute Indians and the Montrose region.  It houses one of the most complete collections of Ute Indian artifacts in the nation and is the only History Colorado museum on the Western Slope. The Ute Indian Museum offers dioramas, changing exhibits, and hands-on programs that bring American Indian history and culture to life.

"This is one of the few capital construction projects requested for the Western Slope," says Andy Stine, Director of Facilities and Regional Museums at History Colorado. "Montrose is one of the fastest growing communities in the nation and this expansion project allows us to meet current community needs."

The expansion of the Ute Indian Museum will increase the protection of invaluable cultural resources owned by the State of Colorado as well as expand educational opportunities and resources for western Colorado and the Four Corners region.  A primary focus is education programming expansion in local school districts.

In addition to enhancing the presentation of the history of the Ute people, U.S. government, cultural interactions, conflicts and traditional patterns of Ute life; the expansion will result in improved classrooms, visitor amenities, exhibit opportunities, retail and presentation spaces to meet the museum’s mission to build community and citizen understanding of the past in the context of today in order to help shape Colorado’s future.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Deborah Radman
deborah.radman@state.co.us
303-866-3670 (direct)