Telluride Unearthed Explores Uranium Mining During WWII

PRESS RELEASE

TELLURIDE UNEARTHED EXPLORES URANIUM MINING DURING WWII

Dr. Michael Amundson brings the history of atomic energy to life—3D glasses included

(May 23, 2014) When we think about Telluride’s mining history we typically recall hard rock miners working tirelessly to bring zinc, silver, and gold out of the mountains. Beginning in the 1930s, however, mining in the San Juans would also include uranium—a vital component to the U.S. atomic energy supply through the end of the Cold War.

Join the Telluride Historical Museum and The Pinhead Institute for a special Telluride Unearthed lecture, “Uranium Mining on the Western Slope,” with Dr. Michael Amundson, on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:00 p.m., at the Wilkinson Public Library’s Program Room. This event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $15 is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Amunson is professor of history and the director of public history at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. His most recent publication on uranium mining in Colorado is titled, Yellowcake Towns: Uranium Mining Communities in the American West. (Boulder: University Press of Colorado, 2002).As a relatively new field, Atomic History incorporates all things nuclear including such fields as community, environmental, cultural, social, political, and scientific history.

“We are thrilled to have a renowned expert on atomic history such as Dr. Amundson in Telluride,” commented Erica Kinias, executive director of the Telluride Historical Museum. “Uranium mining continues to be a controversial issue on the Western Slope and we hope that this lecture will shed light on the origins of uranium mining in our community.”

Exploring Telluride’s atomic history will not follow your typical lecture format. Amundson is planning a unique look into a 1950s-era uranium mine through a 3D film. 3D glasses will be provided!

Questions? Contact Erica Kinias at erica@telluridemuseum.org, (970) 728-3344 x1.