Pioneer Museum - Restored 1903 Courthouse

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Last month, I shared about General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, and a man like me, who had come from Delaware and made his way to Colorado Springs.

Today, I share another discovery I recently made while walking with hubby and the kids to see a Christmas lights parade in downtown Colorado Springs right after Thanksgiving last year. It's the Pioneer Museum! And they have a collection of personal papers from General Palmer's belongings.

I am getting that itch again to start crafting some stories, and this time, they'll highlight General Palmer somewhere among the pages of the books. I say books, because I'm certain to tell his story in this region, I'll have to spread it all out in a series of different stories. That's okay, though. Ever since I moved here to Colorado, I've been anxious to dig deep into the culture and history of the Centennial State--so named because it was founded in 1876, one hundred years after the founding of our great nation.

Another little tidbit about me is I'm a bicentennial baby, so living in a state that's one hundred years older than I only makes everything that much more fascinating to me. :)

Back to the Pioneer Museum.

The Museum is located downtown in the beautifully restored 1903 El Paso County Courthouse at 215 South Tejon street. It portrays the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region in exhibits emphasizing the unique character of the Front Range community.

Centered in one of two primary downtown parks, this elegant and historic structure is surrounded by inviting green lawns, colorful flowers, and splendid outdoor sculptures. You should see the towering trees decked out at Christmas with professionally-strung lights and glowing snowflakes!

The Museum has over 60,000 objects in its collections that are always changing, which makes repeat visits feel like you're there for the first time. And who can deny the beauty of the interior and the restoration work done to preserve this historical landmark!

This museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums, and a winner of local and national awards for excellence. It offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience for people of all ages and interests. A visit provides a look into the spirit, past and present, of the city nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, America’s most famous mountain.

If you're ever in the area of Colorado Springs, be sure to add this to your sightseeing stops. I'm only just getting a glimpse of all the museum has to offer, but I look forward to developing a great relationship with the museum and its staff.

Now it's YOUR turn:

• Do you like museums? Which one is your favorite?
• Have you ever utilized a museum or archives anywhere for research on anything?

*** NEW RELEASE ***

February marked the release of my 15th title, Brandywine Brides. This is a 3-book compilation of my series set in historic Delaware during the Gilded Age. The stories connect the family from my very first series to the family featured in this one.

Nestled amid the beauty of historical Delaware, three generations of bookstore owners find love grows out of a shared love for great literature. Charlotte Pringle is pressured by her parents to marry advantageously, but while Richard Baxton loves her, he cannot provide for her because all his finances go to help his niece walk again. Grace Baxton is on the search for a missing heirloom book. Andrew Bradenton offers to help her, but his past mistakes cast him in a suspicious light, even while a dashing suitor catches Grace’s eye. After the loss of his friend and her brother on the Titanic, Aaron Stone encourages Lillian Bradenton to restore her hope by bringing a boarded-up bookstore back to life. Will each woman’s literature-inspired dreams lead her to the right man of faith and devotion?

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those childhood skills to become an award-winning author and speaker who has partnered with Nerium International in the anti-aging skin care industry, helping others look younger and live better.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have one girl and one boy, a Retriever mix named Roxie and and Australian cattle dog named Timber. She has sold seventeen (17) books so far and is represented by agent Sandra Bishop of the TransAtlantic Agency. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.