History events calendar
Talks, tours, society meetings and programs of 12 historical societies, museums and libraries in and around the Palmer Divide, gathered from their own calendars into one list.
Checked every morning; last changed October 7, 2026. Times and places come from each group's site and can change, so check the group's own page (each event links to it) before you go. A group we've missed? Tell us.
September 2026
Mon., Sept. 7
- 10 a.m.–3 p.m.Labor Day Vintage Base BallCheer on our Camp Creek Cloud Busters (the Rock Ledge Ranch home team) and members from the Vintage Base Ball Association at our annual Labor Day vintage 1880s style base ball match. The Cloud Busters are no “farm team,” but need your support to cheer them on…
Tues., Sept. 8
- Time not posted
Wed., Sept. 9
- Time not posted
Fri., Sept. 11
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
Sat., Sept. 12
- 9 a.m.Annual Membership Meeting and Volunteer AppreciationThe historical society's annual membership meeting.
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Spring Valley School Open HouseDon't miss this unique opportunity to join Douglas County for a public open house to celebrate the restoration of the Spring Valley Schoolhouse. The Larkspur Historical Society will have docents on site to talk about the history of the property and tell the…
- 10 a.m.–noonHistory of the Keithley Pines CabinsBlue Spruce Under Construction 1921 The Historic Keithley Pines property has been an integral part of Manitou Springs for over 100 years. Doug Edmundson has a family connection to Keithley Pines and will give a presentation about the cabins that were built…
Wed., Sept. 16
- 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.Perry Park History 101Learn about the history of Perry Park. Meet in the Colorado Room
Thurs., Sept. 17
- 7 p.m.–9 p.m.“Anza vs. Cuerno Verde, The 1779 Comanche Campaign” by John AndersonThursday, September 17, 2026 7 – 9 pm Palmer Lake Town Hall The 1779 Comanche Campaign tells the story of two fearless men, Spanish Governor Juan Bautista de Anza and the Comanche Warchief Cuerno Verde (Green Horn), both determined to protect their people and…
Sat., Sept. 19
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Annual PowwowJoin us to celebrate the rich Native American heritage of the Pikes Peak Region at the Annual Garden of the Gods Rock Ledge Ranch Powwow honoring Native American cultures and history through song, dance, and traditions. Bringing together an esteemed head…
Sat., Sept. 26
- 10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.Downtown History Walking TourA free 45-minute walking tour of downtown Castle Rock's history and historic buildings. No reservation needed.
- 5 p.m.–9 p.m.Starlight SpectacularFor more than 20 years, the Starlight Spectacular brought thousands of people together to celebrate the outdoors beneath the Colorado sky. In 2026, this beloved Colorado Springs tradition returns, reimagined as an unforgettable evening under the stars. Hosted…
Tues., Sept. 29
- 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.Marking Time Guided Tour 09/29Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
October 2026
Thurs., Oct. 1
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
Fri., Oct. 2
- 5 p.m.–8 p.m.First Friday: Kick-Off Arts Month with the CSPMFirst Friday: Kick-Off Arts Month with the CSPM Sponsored by the Lane Foundation Friday, October 2 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. October is Arts Month! Explore museum exhibits and enjoy new art. Check out the D11 Chalktober murals in our surrounding park. Grab desserts…
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Sat., Oct. 3
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Harvest FestivalThe Ranch buzzes with activities and fun in the crisp autumn air! Discover the art of cider-making and the history of apples in the Pikes Peak Region at the Workshop. Take a wagon ride with your family, listen to old-time music, gather a pumpkin to take home…
- 11 a.m.–noonMarking Time Guided Tour 10/03Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
- 4 p.m.Cedar Hill Cemetery Walking TourA walk among the historic graves of Cedar Hill, founded in 1875. Free; no reservation needed.
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Tues., Oct. 6
- 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.Marking Time Guided Tour 10/06Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
Wed., Oct. 7
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
Thurs., Oct. 8
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
Fri., Oct. 9
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Sat., Oct. 10
- 10 a.m.–noonOct 10 Cool Science Festival, “Nikola Tesla in Colorado Springs”The Cool Science Festival and the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum welcome Patric Ryan and his presentation, “Nikola Tesla in Colorado Springs”. Learn about the advanced scientific work of Nikola Tesla, wireless telegraphy, wireless power transmission, his…
- 11 a.m.–noonMarking Time Guided Tour 10/10Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.A “Grand Wigwam” for Science: Palmer Hall and the Scandal that Shook Colorado CollegeThe Cool Science Festival and the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum welcome Dr. Steve Ruskin and his presentation, “ A ‘Grand Wigwam’ for Science: Palmer Hall and the Scandal that Shook Colorado College”. Colorado College’s Palmer Hall was built to make the…
- 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.Colorado Women Homesteaders with Author and Historian Gail BeatonPikes Peak Library District welcomes Colorado author and historian Gail Beaton for an engaging presentation on her new book, Colorado Women Homesteaders. This program is being offered to commemorate the Colorado 150 and US 250 anniversaries, as a part of the…
- 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.History Stroll: Seeing History In Place 10/102:00 - 3:30 p.m. - plus 30 minutes for the cocktail ($15) 21+ ONLY This experience includes a custom cocktail from the Mining Exchange Hotel's bar, Golden Hour. Please plan for an additional 30 minutes at the end of the tour for the cocktail. Join the CSPM to…
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Tues., Oct. 13
- 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.Marking Time Guided Tour 10/13Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
- 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.Census RecordsCensus records are an excellent tool for genealogical research. Join us to learn more about how to use library resources to navigate and access census records, basic search strategies, and tips and tricks for locating your hidden ancestors. Registration is…
Wed., Oct. 14
- 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
- 7 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 15
- 7 p.m.–9 p.m.PLHS 70th AnniversaryThursday, October 15, 2026 7 pm – 9 pm Palmer Lake Town Hall Promote the Lucretia Vaile Museum and the upcoming November program on the Yule Log History and the January potluck . Thank you to our volunteers.
Fri., Oct. 16
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Sat., Oct. 17
- 9 a.m.
- 11 a.m.–noonMarking Time Guided Tour 10/17Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
- 1 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
- 2 p.m.–3 p.m.Give Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women’s Bank That Empowered a GenerationGive Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women's Bank That Empowered a Generation with Scholar Grace L. Williams Saturday, October 17, 2026 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum presents the 2026 "We The People: Colorado at 150" lecture…
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
- 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 18
- Time not posted
Tues., Oct. 20
- 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.Marking Time Guided Tour 10/20Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
Wed., Oct. 21
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
Thurs., Oct. 22
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
Fri., Oct. 23
- 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Sat., Oct. 24
- 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m.History Stroll: Seeing History In Place 10/249:30 - 11:00 a.m. ($10) Please plan to meet in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes early to check-in, or earlier if you would like to order a beverage from the hotel's coffee shop Blk Mgk (not included in ticket price). Join the CSPM to critically reflect on…
- 11 a.m.–noonMarking Time Guided Tour 10/24Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
Tues., Oct. 27
- 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.Marking Time Guided Tour 10/27Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
Wed., Oct. 28
- 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Fall Homeschool DayStep back in time for some hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. Make a cornhusk doll at the Homestead Cabin as you learn about 1860s pioneer life. How did the railroad transform settler life in Colorado? Discover what it took to be a farmer or…
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
Thurs., Oct. 29
- 7 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
- 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.Ghost & Extinct Towns of Southern Douglas CountyLearn about the ghost and extinct towns of Southern Douglas County. Presented in the Colorado Room.
Fri., Oct. 30
- 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m.31st Annual Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking ToursFor 31 years , the shadows of Manitou Springs have whispered their secrets… and now they’re ready to tell their tales. Get your tickets now!
Sat., Oct. 31
- 10 a.m.–noonHalloween History DetectivesHalloween History Detectives Saturday, October 31 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free - Please Register Online Join Us for a Spooktacular History Adventure! Families are invited to pick up a History Detectives passport at the front desk. Embark on an exciting…
- 11 a.m.–noonMarking Time Guided Tour 10/31Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region Tuesdays: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Throughout 2026, join the CSPM in the commemoration of America 250 - Colorado 150 - anniversaries observing the signing of the…
- 1 p.m.Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking TourTales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock's history. Free, donations welcome; reservations required (303-814-3164).
November 2026
Sat., Nov. 7
- 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Everything but the OinkTo keep meat from spoiling during the curing process, farmers processed hogs in the cooler fall months. Pioneers wouldn’t waste anything from a pig. As the saying goes, they’d use “everything but the oink”. Join us to learn from our butcher about the various…
- 2 p.m.–3 p.m.Genealogy BasicsAre you interested in researching your genealogy but aren't sure where to start? Or ready to take the next step in your skills? Join us for an introduction to genealogy research strategies, including getting started, organizing your research, and selecting…
Tues., Nov. 10
- Time not posted
- 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.Researching African American AncestorsResearching your African American ancestors can be a challenging, yet rewarding, process. In addition to research strategies, this class will cover how to use both traditional and unique resources to explore your family tree. Registration is NOT required…
Wed., Nov. 11
- Time not posted
- 7 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 13
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
Thurs., Nov. 19
- 7 p.m.–9 p.m.“History of the Yule Log” by Patricia and Gary AtkinsThursday, November 19 , 2026 7 pm – 9 pm Palmer Lake Town Hall Learn about the history of the Palmer Lake Yule Log and why it came to town.
December 2026
Thurs., Dec. 3
- 10 a.m.–11 a.m.Genealogy BasicsAre you interested in researching your genealogy but aren't sure where to start? Or ready to take the next step in your skills? Join us for an introduction to genealogy research strategies, including getting started, organizing your research, and selecting…
Fri., Dec. 4
- 1 p.m.–3 p.m.Holiday Tea and ToursCelebrate the holiday season in the 1907 Orchard House with our annual Holiday Teas! Experience a traditional English Tea and tour of the country estate decorated with fresh greens in a festive style. Learn about Edwardian history and etiquette. All teas…
Sat., Dec. 5
- 1 p.m.–3 p.m.Holiday Tea and ToursCelebrate the holiday season in the 1907 Orchard House with our annual Holiday Teas! Experience a traditional English Tea and tour of the country estate decorated with fresh greens in a festive style. Learn about Edwardian history and etiquette. All teas…
Tues., Dec. 8
- 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.Researching Female AncestorsResearching your female ancestors can be a difficult, yet rewarding, process. Women’s rights and positions in society varied by time and place, often making their records harder to trace (and how do we find those elusive maiden names?!). In this class, we…
Wed., Dec. 9
- Time not posted
- 6 p.m.–9 p.m.“Yule Log Potluck” by Yule Log Association – Niall Byme, Heather KrugerWednesday, December 9 , 2026 6 pm – 9 pm Palmer Lake Town Hall The Annual Potluck is held on the Wednesday prior to the hunt at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. Volunteers bring a dish to share, and then make souvenir lapel pins for the hunters. They notch the…
Fri., Dec. 11
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
- 1 p.m.–3 p.m.Holiday Tea and ToursCelebrate the holiday season in the 1907 Orchard House with our annual Holiday Teas! Experience a traditional English Tea and tour of the country estate decorated with fresh greens in a festive style. Learn about Edwardian history and etiquette. All teas…
Sat., Dec. 12
- 3 p.m.–8 p.m.Holiday EveningRock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of this traditionally festive season! The evening features St. Nicholas, wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, Blacksmith Shop demonstrations, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s…
Sun., Dec. 13
- 1 p.m.–4 p.m.“Yule Log Hunt” by Yule Log Association – Niall Byrne, Heather KrugerSunday, December 13, 2026 1 pm – 4 pm Palmer Lake Town Hall With red and green capes flying, hundreds of children and adults dash into the snowy woods near Palmer Lake, Colo., scrambling up and down slippery slopes and laughing as they search beneath…
Fri., Dec. 18
- 1 p.m.–3 p.m.Holiday Tea and ToursCelebrate the holiday season in the 1907 Orchard House with our annual Holiday Teas! Experience a traditional English Tea and tour of the country estate decorated with fresh greens in a festive style. Learn about Edwardian history and etiquette. All teas…
Sat., Dec. 19
- 1 p.m.–3 p.m.Holiday Tea and ToursCelebrate the holiday season in the 1907 Orchard House with our annual Holiday Teas! Experience a traditional English Tea and tour of the country estate decorated with fresh greens in a festive style. Learn about Edwardian history and etiquette. All teas…
January 2027
Fri., Jan. 8
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
February 2027
Fri., Feb. 12
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
March 2027
Fri., March 12
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
April 2027
Fri., April 9
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
May 2027
Fri., May 14
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
June 2027
Fri., June 11
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
July 2027
Fri., July 9
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
August 2027
Fri., Aug. 13
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
September 2027
Fri., Sept. 10
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
October 2027
Fri., Oct. 8
- 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.LHS Monthly MeetingRegular monthly meeting and History Lesson. The public is welcome, but let us know so we can arrange seating. May depend on weather.
No events for this group in the window we gather (five weeks back to a year ahead).
Where these come from
- Palmer Lake Historical Society: 5 events
- Larkspur Historical Society: 17 events
- Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum: 12 events
- Parker Area Historical Society: 1 event
- Elbert County Historical Society and Museum: 1 event
- Western Museum of Mining and Industry: 7 events
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum: 15 events
- Old Colorado City Historical Society: 1 event
- Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site: 12 events
- Manitou Springs Heritage Museum: 11 events
- Pikes Peak Genealogical Society: 3 events
- Pikes Peak Library District: 6 events
Most are read from each group's own event feed or calendar page. Castle Rock and Elbert County post their dates as text, so those are copied by hand and re-checked when the page changes. The library district's listing is limited to its history and genealogy programs. Markets, fundraisers, private bookings and children's camps are left out.