Colorful Coloradans Biographies
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.
Bill Hosokawa (1915 - 2007)
Author, Denver Post editor, and diplomat who worked to promote the rights of Japanese Americans and improve U.S./Japan relations after World War II.
Dr. Carl J. Johnson (1929-1988)
Dr. Carl Johnson was a Jefferson County health official who fought to expose the health impacts on citizens caused by radiation coming from the Rocky Flats plant.
John R. Lawson (1871-1945)
John Lawson was a union organizer during the Colorado Coal Field War.
Judge Benjamin Barr Lindsey (1869-1943)
Judge Benjamin Barr Lindsey was known as the father of juvenile law. He established the first juvenile court in Denver, Colorado, and was known for his advocacy for juvenile rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights.
Chief Little Raven (c.1810 - 1889)
Born around 1810 on the Great Plains, Little Raven was Hinono'ei (Arapaho) and a principal Southern Arapaho chief who was known for his commitment to maintaining peace.
Henry Lowenstein (1925 - 2014)
The "Father of Denver Theater," Henry Lowenstein survived the Holocaust to become one of Denver's most famous stage producers.
Portia Lubchenco (1887 - 1978)
Portia Lubchenco was one of the first female chiefs of staff of any hospital in Colorado. "Doctor Portia" survived the Russian Revolution and helped modernize hospitals and medicine throughout Colorado.
Tadaatsu Matsudaira (1851 - 1888)
Tadaatsu Matsudaira was an early Colorado pioneer and engineer who worked in the mining industry in Colorado. He was likely the first Japanese immigrant to come to Colorado.