The Manitou Springs Heritage Museum has a variety of Reference Collections that can be used for historic research. Due to the length or size of these documents, the contents are best viewed in person. If you would like to conduct research on any of the documents below, please make a research appointment and our archive staff can help locate what you’re looking for.
The City Directory Collection contains 68 hardcover City Directory books. Each book contains an alphabetical list of names and addresses for both residences and businesses. Business Ads are also included. The books cover the combined Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs area and are available for your research covering the years 1920-2006. We also have a few a Business Directories at the Colorado State level and the Denver City area.
The Manitou Springs/Pikes Peak Journal Collection contains a large set of newspapers printed by the Manitou Springs Journal and later by the Pikes Peak Journal when the name was changed. The newspapers feature news articles and photographs which are centered in Manitou Springs but include areas around the Pikes Peak Region. Issues covering the years 1885-2012 are available for your reference.
The Lew Archer Research Notes Collection contains 82 of handwritten or typed notes created by the late Lew Archer during his historical research. The notes cover a broad range of Lew’s interests, including but not limited to Colorado history, Faith and Model Railroading. Some of his research notes were tied to one of the many books in the Lew Archer Book collection. Other notes were used as Speaker Notes for the historical talks Lew gave during his career.
The Post Office Blueprint Collection contains 216 professional blueprints related to the construction of the current Manitou Springs Post Office building at 307 Canon Ave, which was completed in 1940. The building plans included many Architects and Construction Contractors, including but not limited to John M. Carmody and the Federal Works Agency. The plans are very detailed for the exterior and interior components such as doors, drawers and signage.
