Among our most popular programs for adults are the ones put on by Johanna Harden, the library district's Local History Collection Archivist. Her "Second Sunday" series of historical programs has developed a strong following.
As well they should. Our speakers are always interesting, and the topics illuminating. In people, an interest in the past is one of the leading indicators of maturity. The same is true when a community looks to its history.
It happens that May 8 through May 16 is Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Week. This year, three events have been planned.
On Sunday, May 16, Historian Lee Whiteley will present a program on "The Cherokee Trail: A Forgotten Byway." The location is the Parker Library -- which is appropriate, since the trail actually ran through the existing library site. After Whiteley's presentation, local professional storytellers John Stansfield and Priscilla Queen will bring to life some of the characters who traveled the Cherokee Trail.
A second event marks the Local History Collection's continuing involvement with Douglas County Television Channel 8. It was 125 years ago that the eastern boundary of Douglas County was pulled back from Kansas. The same year, Castle Rock became the county seat, wresting the title from what was then known as Frankstown.
The Channel 8 folks, with the able assistance of our Local History Department, are producing a special television program to examine Douglas County's status as one of Colorado's 17 original counties.
Mixed in with the tale of the county's trimming, viewers will also have a chance to set to rest the longstanding "myth of the moving courthouse." Locals Bill Duncan, son of long-time Douglas County Commissioner "Doc" Duncan, and William Kirby portray David Kellogg and friend in the TV reenactment of the naming of "Castle Rock."
And if you don't have cable (which is necessary to receive Channel 8)? Not to worry. You can catch the production at the Philip S. Miller Library at 4 p.m., Monday, May 10, or at the Parker Library on Friday, May 14, at 2 p.m.
An additional historical event on the day will be sponsored by the Castle Rock Historic Preservation Board, the Town of Castle Rock and the Castle Rock Historical Society. It's called the Walking Tour and Ice Cream Social. Beginning on Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m. at the Cantril School Building in Castle Rock, the tour will focus on local efforts to preserve 14 historic structures in Castle Rock. It wraps up at the Castle Rock Museum on Elbert Street.
Add it all up, and you've got a week to remember.
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