Step Back In Time…
You’ll step back in time when you enter the former home of town founder Harvey J. Parish and his wife Mary. Built in 1914, this local icon is Johnstown’s only masonry-constructed Arts and Crafts-style home, and its original grandeur still rivals that of the other charming old houses on Charlotte Street.
In April 2000, the property was added to the Colorado and National Registers of Historic Places as the Harvey J. Parish House. The main floor recreates life in the early 1900s when the Parishes lived there; the garden level features other local museum displays.
We’re proud to showcase Parish family heirlooms, generously donated by their descendants. These items, passed down through the generations, have been returned to the very home where they once belonged. This thoughtful gesture allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the people who helped shape Johnstown’s early history. These artifacts include furniture, clothing, photographs, letters, and household items. Together, they offer a glimpse into everyday life in the early 1900s. They also reflect the family traditions and the lasting legacy left by the Parish family.
We also host temporary exhibits and seasonal displays, so there’s always something new to discover!
Note: Tap or click the photos above to enlarge them for a closer look.
Plan Your Visit
Tour Information
History comes alive for visitors of all ages at the Historic Parish House and Museum. Our tours aren’t just educational – they’re interactive and engaging, especially for younger guests. Our staff interacts with our school-aged guests and make meaningful connections with youth. We’re also happy to tailor our tour experience to suit different ages and learning goals to meet your needs.
Visitor’s Interpretive Center Tour & Accessibility:
The house is only accessible by a flight of stairs, but our Visitor’s Interpretive Center features a short film of the Parish House’s interior and museum collections for those who cannot take the stairs. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions about our facilities, please don’t hesitate to Connect With Us.
Walking Tour:
Prefer to get out into town and explore history where it actually happened? Our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Johnstown invites you to do just that – step outside, stretch your legs, and discover the stories hidden in plain sight as you wander through Johnstown’s original streets that have stood the test of time – all on your own schedule. Pick up a free Walking Tour Map at the Parish House and you’ll uncover fascinating details about the people, places, and events that helped shape our community from its earliest days.
