Expanded Ute Indian Museum to re-open June 10

MONTROSE, Colo., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After several years of collaboration between History Colorado and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe on planning, construction, exhibit design and fundraising, the Ute Indian Museum will re-open to the public on Saturday, June 10.

The museum celebrates and honors the Ute Indians—the longest continuous residents of Colorado. In the exhibits, visitors journey to iconic places across Colorado to learn the story of Ute life, history and culture. Told in the voices of tribal members, the exhibits include contemporary views of Ute life, including cultural survival, political self-determination, economic opportunity and the celebration of the Bear Dance.

With approximately 200 artifacts, the exhibits will feature artifacts that have never been on display including a velvet dress belonging to Chipeta and a painted hide. Objects that highlight contemporary Ute life including a beaded cell phone case and a Bear Dance shawl. Many beloved artifacts will return to the museum such as belongings of Ute leaders Chief Ignacio, Chief Buckskin Charley, Chief Ouray and Chipeta.

"We are excited to be able to celebrate the opening of the museum with the community and share the living culture and history of the Ute people," said CJ Brafford, Ute Indian Museum Director. "The Montrose community showed incredible support for the project and we are happy to share this beautiful new space, exhibits, programs and events with the three Ute tribes and the public."

The museum also will include a new gift shop, patio with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, vibrant colors that represent Ute tribal identity, and expanded rental spaces. These updated spaces will be available to the community as a regional gathering place.

Ute Indian Museum is located at 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose, CO 81403. Summer admission is free for kids (18 and under), $6 for adults and $5 for seniors.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brooke Gladstone
303-866-3670 | [email protected]

SOURCE History Colorado

Related Links

http://www.historycolorado.org