The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center honors the African American miners, soldiers, ranchers, homesteaders, educators, blacksmiths, lawmen and entrepreneurs who helped build and shape the Western frontier. Its history page also tells the story of Dr. Justina Ford, who the museum says was Colorado’s first licensed African American female physician. She practiced medicine from her home in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood for more than 50 years and delivered nearly 7,000 babies. In February 1984 the house was relocated 13 blocks east to its present location on California Street. The museum dates the Black American West Foundation to 1971.
For students, the museum’s educator page lists field trips that can be self-guided or guided, Five Points Black History Walking Tours, historical reenactments and living history presentations, in-classroom visits and hands-on history activities such as churning butter, making ice cream and roping. Guided tours are by request and need to be arranged at least two weeks before the visit. The museum says large groups are welcome with prior arrangements and that tours can be tailored for school field trips and community organizations.
A note for homeschool families: the museum’s pages do not mention homeschool groups specifically, and group pricing is not published. The museum says individual and group rates are provided based on the details of the tour, so a co-op should email or call with its group size and ages.
Know before you go
- Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, 3091 California St., Denver. Public hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed all other days.
- Listed admission: $17 adults, $15 seniors, $12 military, $12 youth and students, free for children 5 and younger.
- To schedule a program, contact the museum at bawmhc@gmail.com or 720-242-7428. Program details are on its For Educators page.
- Free parking is available behind the museum and on surrounding streets.
- More Colorado history field trips: History Colorado Center field trips at $5 per student and homeschool days at the Molly Brown House.
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