The Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) is pleased to present its 17th Annual Historical Preservation Symposium. Due to the pandemic, this free educational program will be presented virtually on three separate Tuesday evenings in October on JCHC's YouTube channel.
7 p.m., Tuesday October 6 — "Bootleggers, Moonshiners and Speakeasies of the Prohibition Era in Jefferson County”
Jefferson County was such an active center for moonshining, bootlegging, speakeasies, and roadhouses that the Rocky Mountain News stated that no one from Jeffco should be allowed into Denver! This program explores the reasons behind Prohibition (1920-1933), how the liquor laws were violated in Jeffco, who was responsible for enforcing them, and how Prohibition was finally rejected. It is narrated by JCHC member John Steinle, author, historian, and former History Education Supervisor for Jeffco Open Space.
7 PM, Tuesday, October 13 — “Cement Bill Williams and the Lookout Mountain Road“
This program illuminates the creation of the automobile road up Lookout Mountain by one of Jeffco’s most colorful characters, William “Cement Bill” Williams. Andrea Keppers, Curator and Education Specialist for the Hiwan Homestead Museum, will lead us through this fascinating insight into the determination, skill, and often herculean effort it took to complete this scenic highway in 1913. Cement Bill’s dedication to the success of Golden laid the foundation for what is still one of the county’s most popular attractions.
7 PM, Tuesday, October 20 — "Votes for Women: How Colorado Led the Way”
Gain greater understanding into the decades-long struggle by women to gain the right to participate in American democracy. Led by JCHC member Bonnie Scudder, retired teacher and administrator in the Denver Public Schools, author, and volunteer historian for Staunton State Park, this program traces the progress of women’s suffrage in America beginning in the 1800s. In 1893, Colorado became the first state to allow women to vote, attained by popular referendum rather than legislative action. Bonnie will feature some of the women who helped bring this crusade to success, both in Colorado and nationwide. Jefferson County women were also involved, and 62% of the (male) voters in Jeffco supported suffrage in Colorado.
Founded in 1976, the JCHC serves to promote and foster historic preservation in Jeffco; educate others about the people, places and events that have shaped Jeffco; and honor those who value and steward Jeffco’s rich heritage. For fascinating information about Jeffco’s history, read our award-winning annual magazine, Historically Jeffco.