Colorful Coloradans Biographies

Biographies of important Coloradans featuring digitized sources from the Western History collection to provide young researchers with high quality, primary source material for their history projects. Ideal for 4th grade and up.

Gladys Caldwell Fisher (1907-1952)

Artist, particularly known for her sculptures of animals.

Tim Flores (1919 - 1988)

Influential labor leader, lobbyist and activist who fought for the rights of workers throughout Colorado. 

Mary Antoinette Perry-Frueauff (1888-1946)

Mary Antoinette was an actress, director, producer, humanitarian, and an activist, whose work on Broadway inspired the creation of the Tony Awards.

 

Portrait of Magdalena Gallegos as a young woman, the local historian and author poses with her hands on her hips in the Auraria neighborhood, Denver, Colorado.

Magdalena Gallegos (1935 - 2021)

Magdalena Gallegos grew up in the neighborhood of Auraria and worked throughout her life to preserve the history and stories from that community.

Gerald "Jerry" Gerash (1934 - )

Jerry Gerash fought for the rights of gay people at a time when the police and local governments were fighting against them.

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Lorraine Granado (1948 - 2019)

Lorraine Granado was a community organizer and activist who fought tirelessly to improve the lives of residents in Elyria-Swansea and Globeville. 

Pam Grier (1949 - )

Pam Grier overcame violence and racism to become an early African American action hero in films. 

Emily Griffith (1868 -1947)

Emily Griffith founded the Opportunity School in Denver, a unique school which offers job training and education "For All Those Who Wish To Learn". 

Portrait of Laura Hershey seated by her desk. Photographer unknown.

Laura Hershey (1962 - 2010)

Laura Hershey was a prolific author, poet and activist. She also fought for civil rights of people with disabilities and the gay community.

Victor Hornbein (1913 - 1995)

Victor Hornbein was one of Colorado's most famous modern architects. He created some of Colorado's most important buildings and is best remembered for designing the Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens.