Connect & Collaborate: Southeast Metro Historical Societies Network

“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” ~ David McCullough

Smaller historical societies face unique challenges in maintaining and preserving collections, managing staff and volunteers, and navigating funding shortages, while remaining relevant to modern audiences of all ages. By networking with other historical societies in the southeastern metro Denver area, the Highlands Ranch Historical Society intends to:

• • Create a sense of community through history
  • Share best practices and resources
  • Increase the profile of historical activities
  • Support goal achievement
  • Celebrate affiliate accomplishments

Our Mission

Foster connection and collaboration with regional historical societies to promote local history and the work of historians.

Who We Are: Affiliate Websites

“…membership in groups is on the rise. People do have a need, and historical groups are very appealing. As we get older or stay in one place awhile, we want to know more about it.” ~ Jim Weglarz, Historic Douglas County

Highlands Ranch Historical Society
Historic Littleton Inc.
History of Ken-Caryl Ranch – Ken-Caryl Ranch
Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
Parker Area Historical Society
Roxborough Area Historical Society Douglas County, Colorado – Events

Aurora Historical Society

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Castle Rock Museum’s  Outdoor Model Train Day

Sat. Sept. 12, 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
at the Castle Rock Museum 
420 Elbert Street,  Castle Rock, CO 80104

The Castle Rock Museum is hosting a model train day at the museum.  We will have our garden train set up in the the backyard with replicas of historic buildings from Castle Rock.  We’ll also have some other model trains of various sizes on display.  Come join in on the fun.

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You’re invited: Unlock the past at the restored Spring Valley Schoolhouse

A one-room schoolhouse that once anchored community life in Larkspur is opening its doors again.

Join Douglas County from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, for a ribbon-cutting and public open house celebrating the newly restored Spring Valley Schoolhouse.

Visitors can explore the restored building and learn how it served generations of students while becoming a center of community life. Docents from the Larkspur Historical Society will be on site to share the history of the property and the Spring Valley area beginning in 1865.

• What:Spring Valley Schoolhouse Ribbon Cutting and Open House
• When:Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where:14667 Spring Valley Road, Larkspur, CO 80118
• Cost:Free and open to the public

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A Day at Hilltop—Hilltop Schoolhouse

September 12, 2026    10 am – 3 pm  Presented by Parker Historical Society

For more information:  A Day at Hilltop | Parker History

Hilltop Schoolhouse, 5748 Flintwood Rd, Parker, CO 80134, USA

A celebration of America’s 250^th , Colorado’s 100^th, and Hilltops School’s 105 anniversaries.

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“Stagecoaches: Myth vs. Reality”  by Tim Weber

Join the Castle Rock Historical Society on Thurs. Sept. 10, 2026 for a presentation by local historian and author, Tim Weber on Stagecoaches: Myth vs. Reality.  Come learn the truth about traveling by stagecoaches many years ago.

The presentation is at 7pm at the Philip & Jerry Miller Library 100 S. Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104. Contact the Castle Rock Museum for more information at museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org or 303-814-3164. Check out our website at www.castlerockmuseum.org for more events and information.

Reservations are not required.
For more information, and to find out about our other events, check out our website at www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org

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Catching It Lovely: A Douglas County Pioneer Story | Parker History

Saturday August 22 at the Parker Library.    Click the link below to go to the Registration Page and program information –Laurie Marr Wasmund, a favorite of Parker History, tells the true story behind her latest book.

More info here:  Catching It Lovely: A Douglas County Pioneer Story | Parker History

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Mount Nebo Cemetery Field Trip with Phil Goodstein (Aurora Historical Society)

Sunday, August 23, 11 am – 12:30 pm at 11701 E. 13th Ave, Aurora

Hear noted historian and speaker Phil Goodstein discuss Aurora’s newest historic landmark, Mount Nebo Cemetery.   $15 for non-Aurora Historical Society Members.

More info here:  Aurora Historical Society Home – Aurora Historical Society

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Colorado Day Community Fest 2026 at History Colorado

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Douglas County   Ribbon Cutting  Event   SATURDAY JULY 18 AT 11 AM

Ribbon cutting event to celebrate the opening of a trail extension at Lincoln Mountain Open Space and the restoration work on the Evans Homestead.  The trail has been extended so people can hike from the trailhead parking lot to Evans Homestead now.  One way trip is approximately 1.7 miles.  This event is a part our series of 150/250 celebration events.

Park at: Lincoln Mountain Open Space and Trail, 7333 Jones Road, Larkspur  80118

Shuttle rides from the parking lot to the homestead starting at 10:30am for those who are not able to hike.  When the event is completed, we will shuttle people back to the parking lot.

Website  that features the County’s events in celebration of the 150/250 anniversaries this year. https://www.douglasco.gov/america-250-and-colorado-150-celebrations-in-douglas-county/

Video of the Evans Homestead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUCjNJOJmb4

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Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum

July 18, 2026 – Downtown Castle Rock Walking Tour 10:30am
July 19, 2026 – Ice Cream Social at the museum
Aug. 22, 2026 – Downtown Castle Rock Walking Tour 10:30am
Sept. 10, 2026 – Presentation by Steve Weber on Stagecoaches
Sept. 13, 2025 – Outdoor Model Train Day
Sept. 26, 2026 – Downtown Castle Rock Walking Tour 10:30am
Oct. 3, 2026 – Cedar Hill Cemetery Walking Tour
Oct. 8, 2026 – Present. by Charles Stott on Castle Rock Milling & Mines Co.
Nov. 12, 2026 – Presentation TBD
Dec. 12, 2026 – Visit with Santa Claus at the museum
Oct. 2026 – Ghostly Stories & Tragic Tales Walking Tours
Oct. 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th at 7pm
Oct. 17th & 31st at 1pm