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.
Annual Museum Exhibit at the Johnstown Library
Bringing Pieces of the Past into the Heart of the Community
Next Display Date: July 7-31, 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 7-31, 2026 Library Exhibit Features
This year’s exhibit honors the 100th anniversary of the Great Western Sugar Company by highlighting its enduring impact on the region’s agriculture, economy, and the generations of families whose livelihoods were shaped by the sugar beet industry.
The exhibit also features our ongoing projects recognizing two significant anniversaries: America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th anniversary. Through these initiatives, visitors can explore how our community’s history is connected to these important milestones and to the larger story of our state and nation.
Family History Workshop
Research. Record. Remember.
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind your family tree? Join us for a Family History Workshop designed to help you explore your roots, learn research techniques, and connect with your family’s past.
Where: YMCA, 165 Settler Way, Johnstown, CO 80534
When: Friday, August 7 : 6pm-8pm & Saturday, August 8 : 9am-12:30pm
Cost: Free! (donations welcome)
Registration: Open to the public! Ages 12 and older. All experience levels welcome.
Your Story Matters
Share A Story. Leave A Legacy. Preserve A Community.
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.
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.
Want to contribute financially to this initiative?
Make A Donation or Become A Sponsor
Estimated Remaining Cost: $35,000
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 to commemorate America’s Bicentennial, this beloved Johnstown history book is returning in a special 50th Anniversary Edition. Along with preserving the original content, the new edition will feature updated historical research, photographs, and stories that celebrate the past five decades of our community. We also invite residents to help tell Johnstown’s story by sharing photos that capture life in our community from 1977 to today. Register to be notified when the book is available for purchase, submit your photos for inclusion, and learn more by visiting the page below.
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.
