The Gunnison County Pioneer and Historical Society was founded in 1880 but was reorganized and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1930. The Society stated as its goal the preservation of the history of the pioneers of Gunnison County and actually began what is now the Pioneer Museum in 1964.
The Museum is mostly staffed by senior volunteers overseen by the Board of the Society. The 6-acre site of the Museum, its 12 buildings and the memorabilia and artifacts that make up the many displays are donations from generous members and friends of the Society. These displays truly represent the cultural heritage and history of the Gunnison country.
The Pioneer Society also owns the Aberdeen Quarry, a granite quarry located on Beaver Creek, just a few miles from Gunnison. Granite from Aberdeen was used to build the Colorado State Capitol.
One of the Outdoor Exhibits
Among the Indoor Exhibits
At the Pioneer Museum:
- Gunnison's first Post Office
- D & RG Narrow Gauge Train, Water Tank & Depot
- Two rural schoolhouses
- House with early-day furnishings
- Antique Car Museum
- Log Cabin Chapel
- Authentic Barn with Ranch Displays
- Telephone display from the late 1800's
- Arrowhead and Mineral Collection
- Carpenter Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Print Shop
- Dolls, Toys and Much More...
The Pioneer Museum is located on the south side of US 50 just a couple blocks east of the Main St. intersection in downtown Gunnison. The Museum is open Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. I think I paid a $3.00 admission fee and discovered the finest museum that I have walked into in many years. What I show on these few pages doesn't do this museum justice. For additional info: 970-641-4530.
