The Telluride Historical Museum is now hiring a part-time Visitor Services Coordinator (Front Desk). See the full position description for more details.
Author Archives: Kiernan
Museum Re-Opening for Winter Season
The Telluride Historical Museum is opening for the winter season at 10am on Tuesday, December 6th!
Take a break from the slopes to come learn about the history that makes Telluride so unique. Our newest exhibit, The Long Run, explores the beginnings of the ski resort 50 years ago all the way up to the well-known ski resort that we love today.
Admission is free for locals each Saturday throughout the season.
Museum Closed Oct. 16 – Dec. 6
Thank you for a great summer and fall, Telluride! Today’s the last day to visit the Telluride Historical Museum for the season! We’ll be closed for the off-season beginning tomorrow, October 16, and reopening on December 6.
Don’t forget to join us on Oct. 31 for Halloween on the Hill and our Haunted Hospital (volunteers still needed!), as well our two remaining Lamplight Cemetery tours on Oct. 21 & 28!
See you in the winter! Our annual exhibit, ‘The Long Run: 50 Years of Skiing in Telluride,’ will continue to be on display until April 2023. Join us for a re-opening reception in December 2022, date TBA.
Haunted Hospital & Halloween on the Hill – Volunteers Needed!
Join us on Halloween night for trick-or-treating on the hill with your little ones, and a thrilling evening in our Haunted Hospital!
Trick-or-Treating will take place on Fir Street followed by our Haunted Hospital beginning at 7pm. You’re in for a night of fright at the museum!
The Haunted Hospital will be $10 per person.
We are still seeking volunteers to throw on a costume and whip out your acting skills as you contribute to the spookiness of our Haunted Hospital. If you would prefer to participate in Halloween outside of the Haunted House, we will need volunteers to hand out candy on Fir St.
Email [email protected] or call (970) 728-3344 for more information and to sign up for this exciting event.
Early Closure on Thursday, August 25th
On Thursday, August 25th the Telluride Historical Museum will be closing at 3pm due to a private event.
Please come back and visit the museum during our regular hours on Monday – Saturday from 11am-5pm and Thursdays from 11am – 7pm.
We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you soon!
2022 Fireside Chat Series Announced!
2022 Fireside Chats
Join us for a a series of free weekly lectures at the Madeline in Mountain Village on Wednesdays this fall by writers, storytellers, and experts of Telluride’s history.
Presented by the Telluride Historical Museum.
Dates: Sept. 21, Sept. 28, and Oct. 5, 2022 at 6pm
Johnnie Stevens: Telluride Ski Area Expert
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 | 6:00 pm | Madeline Hotel’s Living Room*
Hired in 1972 as the first director of the Telluride Ski Patrol, Johnnie Stevens worked his way up to Chief Operating Officer of Telski and was inducted in the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame in 2004. Hear Johnnie’s experiences from a lifetime of skiing in Telluride, as well as his stories from behind-the-scenes of the ski area.
Robert Savath & Annie Varielle-Savath: Telluride Ski School & 1970s Telluride
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 6:00 pm | Madeline Hotel’s Living Room*
Join us for a chat with the Savaths, a dynamic husband and wife duo, and involved longtime Telluride locals. A native of France, Annie Varielle-Savath was Director of the Telluride Ski School for over two decades, and also operated a beloved local restaurant, Chez Pierre. Her husband, Roberth Savath, also a longtime ski coach, will share his experience and memories as mayor and town councilman during the late 1970s.
Rudy Davison: Fact-Finding Tour to Zermatt
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 | 6:00 pm | Madeline Hotel’s Living Room*
In 1979, 25 Telluride locals took a fact-finding trip to the Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt. Looking for inspiration and ideas to forge the community’s future in sustainable ways, Rudy Davison was along for the ride, and will be sharing his photos, memories, and takeaways from this notable trip.
*The Madeline’s Living Room lounge area is located on the first floor of the hotel, between the Lobby and the Timber Room bar.
Fireside Chats are free and open to all
Hike into History: Ophir Loop with Matt Steen
Hike into History: Ophir Loop with Matt Steen
Saturday, August 20, 9am
Meet at the Sunshine Overlook!
Join local guide and geology expert Matt Steen on a Hike into History along the route of the Ophir Loop section of the Rio Grande Southern. See the remains of the once thriving RGS Depot and railroad bridges in Ilium. Additionally, Matt will share his knowledge on local geology, avalanche patterns, and more! Please bring water, snacks, and rain & sun protection.
The excursion will begin with an overview of the Ophir Loop area at the stunning Sunshine Mountain Overlook, about 9 miles southwest of Telluride. Just a little further, near the entrance to Ophir, participants will park their cars and begin a fun and historic hike into Ilium.
$20 for nonmembers or $15 for museum members. Purchase tickets here!
Tour De Tommyknocker
Hop on your bikes and head on over to the Telluride Historical Museum for an evening of fun challenges, costumes, and beer! Beginning at the museum, we’ll bike our way through history and odd-ball challenges to Telluride Brewing Company in Lawson Hill. Grab your teammate and let’s get weird!
*Fun fact: Tommyknockers are mischief-making mountain myths. Read up about them to plan your costume!
$25 Admission includes a free drink, games participation, history, and just a plain ol good time. Ticket proceeds support the Telluride Historical Museum.
Hike into History: Mountain Village
Join us for 2022’s first Hike into History:
Hike into History: Mountain Village with Ashley Boling and Museum Staff
Saturday, July 9, 9am
Meet at the San Sophia Overlook, top of Gondola. We’ll hike into Mountain Village from there!
Join local guide Ashley Boling and museum staff to learn about the development of Mountain Village, the history of the Telluride Ski Area, Gorrono Ranch, and more! The hike will begin at 9am, starting at San Sophia Station at the top of the Gondola. Please bring water, snacks, and rain & sun protection.
$20 for nonmembers or $15 for museum members. PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE HERE.
Celebrate the 4th with THM!
Come celebrate the 4th of July with the Museum! After two long years, our annual root beer float fundraiser is back. Come up the hill to the Museum after the parade to enjoy this summertime classic. $5 per float.
Also, the Museum will be open from 1-5PM (with free admission)! So bring your friends and family to learn about the rich and interesting history of Telluride!