Honoring Johnstown’s Place in History
This year, in 2026, Americans will come together to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and Coloradans will celebrate our state’s 150th anniversary of statehood. Colorado is the only state with dual centennials, or what is called a sesquicentennial.
The Johnstown Historical Society is proud to take part in these historic celebrations through a variety of projects. These initiatives celebrate our shared history, and we invite your participation. Explore what’s in progress, see how you can get involved, and help us keep Johnstown connected and growing.
A Tribute To Johnstown : 50th Anniversary Edition
Celebrating 50 Years of Our Book, 150 Years of Colorado, 250 Years of America
Originally published in 1976 for America’s Bicentennial, this little book made its way into the hearts of Johnstown’s approximate 1,300 residents. They sold fast, and when they were gone, there were no reprints. The book is a compilation of local history, statistics, people and families, the schools, churches, businesses, industry, community clubs, and more.
The JHS is bringing it back in a commemorative 50th anniversary edition this summer. The new edition will preserve the original content, as well as add new content including new historical research, photographs and stories. It will also reflect on the past five decades of change and growth in Johnstown while highlighting connections between Johnstown’s history and the broader American and Colorado stories. Sign up to be notified when they are available for purchase.
Help us tell the story.
We invite our community to help us make this updated version exceptional. It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Do you have any photos from 1977 to the present that show the essence of Johnstown in some way at the time? You can help us tell the story over the past 50 years through photographs.
Would you like to have your photos considered for inclusion in the book?
Email: jhscomuseum@gmail.com for more information
Fundraiser : The Johnstown Breeze Digitization
Preserving the Past, Page by Page
The Johnstown Breeze has been a vital chronicle of our community’s stories, milestones, and everyday life for decades. In partnership with The Breeze and the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection (CHNC), we are working to digitize the full archive. Through this exciting project, we’re making these historic newspapers accessible to everyone; free, online, searchable, and preserved. By transforming fragile print editions into a digital archive, we’re not only safeguarding Johnstown’s rich heritage but also opening new doors for research, education, and connection. Join us in celebrating this effort to keep our town’s stories alive and within reach for all.
Have questions? Connect With Us
Want to contribute financially? Become A Sponsor
Estimated Remaining Cost: $35,000
Your Story Matters
Share A Story. Leave A Legacy.
Everyone has a story worth sharing. Your Story Matters is a collaborative project inviting community members to contribute personal memories, stories, reflections and photos, that reveal who we are, where we’ve come from, and what connects us. Together, we’re building a living archive that celebrates identity, fosters connection, and strengthens community through the power of storytelling.
Sharing your story is easy!
Complete our online form today.
Annual Museum Display at the Library
Bringing Pieces of the Past into the Heart of the Community
Next Display Date: The month of July, 2026
Each year, we bring a new piece of our community’s story to life through a special display at the local library, Glenn A Jones, M.D. Memorial Library. This collaborative project between the museum and the library features rotating exhibits that highlight local history, culture, and voices. It’s part of our efforts to make our shared heritage more accessible to the public. Stop by, explore, and discover something new each year!
July 2026 Library Display Features
Plans are still coming together, but our 2026 display will showcase our America 250 and Colorado 150 focused community projects, including the 50th Anniversary Edition of A Tribute to Johnstown, and Your Story Matters. We’ll also be featuring the 100th anniversary of the Great Western Sugar Company. Additional features are still being planned. Follow our website and social media for updates.
Voices of Our Community
Oral Histories and Reflections from Community Members
Voices of Our Community is an oral history project dedicated to preserving the lived experiences of individuals across our town, capturing the memories, wisdom, and personal journeys that often go untold. Through one-on-one interviews, we’re creating a vibrant archive of voices that reflect the heart of our community representing its challenges, its triumphs, and its everyday moments. One voice at a time.
Want to join us in honoring the power of storytelling?
Connect With Us to get started!
Spanish Translations
Opening Doors to History Through Language Access
In an effort to make our museum more inclusive and welcoming to all visitors, we’re proud to launch a project to provide Spanish translations for all exhibit signage throughout the museum. This initiative reflects our commitment to accessibility, cultural inclusion, and meaningful engagement with our Spanish-speaking community. By offering bilingual signage, we aim to create a space where more voices feel heard, valued, and at home. It is our goal to ensure that everyone can fully experience and connect with the stories we share.
How You Can Help
Our community projects thrive with the support of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. Whether you can lend a hand, share your family’s history, or contribute financially, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that our past continues to inspire the future.
We couldn’t do it without you! Here’s how you can jump in and be part of the fun:
Every hour volunteered, every story shared, and every dollar given strengthens our ability to protect and share the history that belongs to all of us.
Past Community Projects
Each project shares a story, and our historical society has helped bring many to life over the years. From hands-on preservation efforts to public exhibits, our community-driven initiatives have helped uncover, protect, and celebrate the rich history that defines our area. These projects reflect the power of local collaboration and the belief that history lives best when it’s shared. Take a look back at the work we’ve done together and the lasting impact it continues to make.
