Upcoming Events
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:
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- 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
Upcoming Events
Speaker Series – City of Aurora:
Aurora History Museum’s Fall 2026 Speaker Series
Access is included with a daily admission ticket or annual membership.
Our Fall Speaker Series highlights topics from history, science and culture. Visit the museum to discover these diverse topics and keep learning whatever your age. These events are included with museum admission, but free for members. Please note that the seance after the lecture on Nov. 11 has an additional cost.
Speaker Series – City of Aurora
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Aurora Historical Society
November 17: Conan Doyle & Houdini: Two Believers Who Could Never Agree
An Evening with Keith Outcelt. 6 pm Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora.
Arthur Concan Doyle created the most rational mind in all of fiction, and spent his private life searching for proof of the supernatural! Harry Houdini made his living defying the impossible–and devoted his later years to exposing every medium and mystic he could find. They were, improbably, close friends! Keith Outcelt tells the story of two larger than life figures whose shared obsession brought them together, but ultimately ended their friendship. More info at https://auroracohistoricalsociety.org
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Discover Douglas County’s history through three new library exhibits. November 2026 thru ??
Douglas County and Douglas County Libraries invite residents to discover the people, places and stories that shaped Douglas County through three new historical exhibits now open at library locations across the county.
Presented in partnership with Douglas County Libraries, the free exhibits feature authentic artifacts from the Douglas County History Repository and explore three distinct chapters of local history. Visitors can journey from the earliest people to call this land home to the ranchers, dairies and communities that helped define Douglas County.
The Cowboy Way: Life and Work on the Range
Douglas County Libraries Parker Branch, 20105 Mainstreet, Parker
Explore the lives of the working cowboys and cowgirls who built Douglas County’s cattle industry. Saddles, branding irons, spurs, ropes and other artifacts reveal the skill, determination and daily work that transformed the open range into a thriving ranching community and established a Western heritage that endures today.
Cream of the County: Our Dairy Heritage
Douglas County Libraries Castle Rock Branch, 100 S. Wilcox Street, Castle Rock
Discover how dairy farming became one of Douglas County’s most important industries. Historic milk bottles, dairy equipment, photographs and other artifacts trace the journey of milk from the barn to the breakfast table while highlighting the innovation, hard work and cooperation that supported generations of local families.
Below the Surface: The Rich History of Highlands Ranch
Douglas County Libraries Highlands Ranch Branch, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch
Uncover thousands of years of history beneath one of Colorado’s largest master-planned communities. Archaeological discoveries and historic artifacts reveal evidence of Native American life, the historic Big Dry Creek Cheese Ranch and the preservation efforts that documented these stories before development transformed the landscape.
Together, the exhibits showcase how archaeology, agriculture and ranching shaped Douglas County’s identity and demonstrate how everyday objects can tell extraordinary stories about the people who lived and worked here.
Watch a video where we follow Commissioner Teal and Douglas County curators as they select artifacts for the exhibits.
Visit Douglas County Libraries’ webpage to find information on hours for each location.
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17 MILE HOUSE: November Open House – Discover the Art of Textiles
Saturday, November 7
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
8181 S. Parker Road, Centennial
This is a FREE event, but registration is strongly encouraged.
Registration: www.arapahoeco.gov/17milehouse
The Rocky Mountain Weavers Guild will showcase how textile arts have evolved over time—from ancient techniques like nalbinding to modern spinning wheels. Visitors can explore hands-on demonstrations and learn about historical fiber arts practices. It’s a great opportunity for families, craft enthusiasts, and anyone curious about textile history.
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Upcoming Events……Castle Rock Museum & 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 250th , Colorado’s 100th, 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
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM August 1, 2026
Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District , History Colorado. FREE ADMISSION
More information here: Colorado Day Community Fest 2026 | 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