About the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum
Historic Manitou Springs, Inc. was formed in 1997 and is an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We operate the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum at 517 Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs. Our mission is to
Collect, preserve, research, and interpret the history and culture of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.
The intent of the organization is to educate citizens and visitors to increase appreciation and understanding of this unique community. Before opening the Museum, Historic Manitou was operated by a 3-person Board – Jean Garrity, Deborah Harrison and Michelle Anthony. During the initial 10 years, Historic Manitou developed a track record of participating in community projects and events. These projects include the Eastern Gateway Arch restoration, Mansions Park rehabilitation, installation of over 30 Historic Interpretive Plaques throughout the town, and placement of the Emma Crawford memorial in Crystal Valley Cemetery. We have presented the Ghost Stories of Old Manitou haunted walking tours as part of the Emma Crawford Festival (the events surrounding the Coffin Races) since its inception.
Our Building
In 2008, Historic Manitou Springs, Inc. obtained a Purchase Option on the building at 517 Manitou Avenue, started a membership program, organized new fundraisers, and set up a small gallery space on the second floor. By 2009, we opened the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum on the building’s larger first floor. In 2021, we bought the building from Deborah Harrison and paid off the loan. In 2024, we completed some major building renovations. The Heritage Museum is free admission. We house exhibits and promote events related to the history and culture of Manitou Springs and the Pike Peak Region.
Our Archive Collections
Our growing collection of historic photos, documents and artifacts are housed in our Collections Room on the second floor and our Lew Archer Research Room upstairs is now open to the public. All donated materials we have received are important and cherished. The following are examples of what we have received from our generous donors:
- City Archives: A collection of documents donated in 2011 about the history of the Manitou Springs government, dating back to 1872.
- Heritage Hall Collection: An archive of school memorabilia created by alumni, dating between 1872-1956 when Manitou Springs Elementary housed all 12 grades.
- Dr. Lewis Archer Collection: Books donated in 2014 about Manitou Springs, Colorado and Western History.
Please visit Our Historic Archives page for more information.
Operations
Operation of the Heritage Museum allows us to extend our commitment to collaborate with many local organizations including but not limited to the:
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce
Mineral Springs Foundation
Manitou Art Center
Manitou Springs Woman’s Club
Pikes Peak History Coalition
As a non-profit, the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum is supported by donations, memberships and we are operated entirely by volunteers. We have a membership program and allow a community dialog through our Social Media sites. The Manitou Springs Heritage Museum is proud to Bring History to Life!
