The Smithsonian's NMAAHC Hosts "Hometown Treasures" in Denver

You are invited to attend Hometown Treasures in Denver, CO!

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a two-day program to help Denver, CO area residents identify and preserve items of historical and cultural significance tucked away in the attics, closets and basements of their homes. Presented in collaboration with the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center the event will feature classroom presentations, hands-on activities, exhibitors, and historic walking tours.

“Professional Reviews” at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

• Saturday, August 17, 2019, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sunday, August 18, 2019, 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Reserve a space to bring up to three personal items for a 15-minute session with Professional Reviewers about how to care for your treasures. The experts will serve as reviewers, not appraisers, and will not determine items’ monetary values. Participants will receive “Treasures Kits” stocked with archival materials. Custom boxes will also be crafted for heirlooms. Those wishing to have items reviewed must make reservations online. Space is limited. Registration is preferred, but walk-ups will be accommodated.   Register Now

Preservation Workshops - Free and open to the public, the following workshops will be held at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton Street, Denver, CO 80205. No registration required.

• Preserving Clothing and Textiles (1:00 PM Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th - Blair-Caldwell Level 3 Foyer): What is a "textile" in the museum world? Rag dolls, flags/banners, hats, lace, linens, needlework, quilts/blankets, christening gown, a wedding dress, a military uniform, upholstery - think fabric. Presenter: Renee Anderson, Head of Collections, NMAAHC
• Saving Your Family Photographs and Papers (2:00 PM Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th - Blair-Caldwell Level 3 Foyer): Learn what to do to preserve family photographs and papers. You will learn how light, heat and humidity affect your family collections. Discover some simple things you can do to be a good steward of your family papers and photographs. Presenter: Siobhan Creem, Consultant to museums, libraries, archives and individuals. 

On-going Activities - We encourage you to take part in activities that highlight the importance of family and community preservation. Activities are offered on an on-going basis Saturday and Sunday.  Registration is not required for the activities cited below:

• Hands-on Preservation (1:00 PM Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th - Blair-Caldwell Level 2 Research Room): Interactive sessions designed to teach participants how to properly store letters, pack garments, and prepare photographs for preservation storage and presentation.

• Explore Denver Treasures: Enjoy a self-guided historic walking tour of the Five Points Neighborhood (see program staff for the Welton Street Cultural District Walking Tour Guide). Visit the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center just five blocks from the Blair-Caldwell Library at 3091 California Street, Denver, CO 80205.

• Check out the Community Partners Expo (Blair-Caldwell Level 3 Foyer) which will include exhibit stations hosted by the following organizations: Denver Art Museum, Museo De Las Americas, History Colorado, the Aurora History Museum, and more. 

​Sincerely yours,

NMAAHC Hometown Treasures Team, Washington, DC