Voices of Wartime: Telluride During WWII

After a rejuvenating off-season period, The Telluride Historical Museum is open again as of May 22 and now making exciting announcements.

The museum is proud to present a new exhibit, “Voices of Wartime: Telluride During WWII,” in honor of the 70^th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Europe.

Other exciting events in the same wartime theme are upcoming.

A free event for the public at the museum, located at the top of Fir Street,  is scheduled for June 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Telluride Historical Museum invites everyone to come and experience World War II through oral history, film, photography and artifacts. The exhibit portrays the lives of those who fought and many of which were lost.

“The Telluride Historical Museum’s newest exhibit, Voices of Wartime: Telluride in WWII, reveals how life in Telluride changed — and did not change — during one of the most devastating global conflicts. Visitors will be immersed in the experience of Telluride’s wartime through stories told by those who lived it. With generous support from the Telluride Rotary Club, The Daily Planet, Telluride Elks and the Telluride Masonic Lodge, this exhibit weaves a story that exposes the truly unique community of this small mining town, even in times of devastation,” said THM Director Cameo Hoyle.

Here, light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the museum.

And, on a lighter note, in keeping with the 1940s-era theme that many people know and cherish, a “Swingin’ at the Sheridan Swing Dance” is scheduled June 6 for 7:30 p.m.

To the beauty of the Sheridan Opera House, all “dolls and dreamboats” are invited to come and dance the night away in what is designed to be an authentic wartime G.I. swing dance.

A live swing band will perform tunes of the times, and a cash bar will serve up the drinks of the day, then and now. The Telluride Historical Museum is encouraging dancers to dress in the style of the 1940s.

Tickets are $10.

And, in preparation for “Swingin’ at the Sheridan,” two free swing dance lessons will be offered prior to the public dance event. On May 27 and June 3, dance instruction will be held at the Sheridan Opera House from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Telluride locals Laura and Lance Colbert will teach free beginner swing dance lessons.

All are welcome. Partners are not required. The instruction will be “laid back,” according to the swing dance teachers.

The Telluride Historical Museum hopes for a great turnout and that locals and visitors, alike, get out and have some old-fashioned fun.

The events surround the celebration of Memorial Day, our national holiday honoring those who have died in service to the U.S.

The Telluride Historical Museum’s summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special appointments and tours are also available. Please call 728-3344 to schedule.

Locals receive free admission every Thursday, and Thursday hours extend to 7 p.m.