Colorful Coloradans Biographies
Burnis McCloud (1908 - 1990)
Photographer who created the largest visual record of Denver's African-American history, with photos of everything from daily events to visits by leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hattie McDaniel (1893 - 1952)
Hattie McDaniel was the child of former slaves who grew up to be the first African American to win an Academy Award.
Florence Crannell Means (1891 - 1980)
Florence Crannell Means was a children's book author who was willing to learn about and write about marginalized groups when most did not.
Enos Mills (1870 - 1922)
Writer, speaker, and conservationist best known as "The Father of Rocky Mountain National Park."
Rachel Noel (1918 - 2008)
A pioneer in education, Rachel Noel helped integrate the Denver Public School system and provide equal opportunities to all Denver students.
Noguchi Family
Colorado pioneers and women ahead of their time with roots in Japan.
Maurice Pate (1894-1965)
Maurice Pate grew up in Denver, went on to give aid to the victims of WWI and was an important founding member of UNICEF.
Otto Perry (1894-1970)
Railroad photographer who predominantly photographed railroads in Colorado. He also took photos of railroads in all 48 continental United States. He was able to capture the history of railroads in the Rocky Mountains through his photography.
Polly Pry (1857 - 1938)
Adventurous newspaper writer, gossip columnist, and social activist who became one of the first women to run her own newspaper.
Bob Ragland (1938 - 2021)
Robert L. Ragland was a prolific artist who spent his life helping young artists make a living through art.