Adopt an Artifact

Want to directly support local history? The Adopt an Artifact program at the Lafayette History Museum gives patrons the opportunity to symbolically adopt artifacts from our historic collection. Your tax-deductible “adoption fee” helps cover the costs of maintaining, conserving, and displaying artifacts.

How does it work?

Artifact adoption lasts one year from the date of adoption. Please note that the adoption of an artifact does not mean you are purchasing the item, but rather sponsoring the artifact in support of the museum’s overall mission. Because of limited exhibit space at the museum, not all the artifacts available for adoption are on display.

Browse the objects listed below to see which one you would like to “adopt.” Then look at the benefits of each tier of support and decide at what level you would like to sponsor the artifact. Fill out the form to begin the process of adoption!

What is the money used for? 

General collections care, including… 

  • Purchasing archival-safe storage supplies like boxes and tissue paper
  • Paying for any needed conservation treatments 
  • Costs of environmental monitoring and integrated pest management 
  • Salary of collections management staff
  • Maintenance of collections storage facility
Questions? Email info@lafayettehistoricalsociety.org or call 303-665-7030.

Thank you to our premium adopters!

Coming soon

Artifacts available for adoption

Model of Lafayette buildings – Created out of cardboard in the 1970s, these scale models show what Lafayette buildings looked like in its earliest days.
Pocket watch – Belonged to Alfonso Schofield, who ran the Schofield Farm (located near 111th and Araphoe, in what is now Erie) beginning in 1893.
Band uniform – Complete set of jacket and pants from the Lafayette High School marching band.
Vaseline glass – Earned its name because of the yellow-green hue of the glass, which was created using uranium before it was known to be radioactive. Currently on display.
Yearbooks – Multiple publications of The Bobcat, the yearbook for Lafayette High School until it closed in 1972.
Mine whistle – Used at the Columbine Coal Mine. Currently on display.
Survey journal – Set of journals from mine surveyor Thomas Knill in the 1920s.
Coal mining map – Overview of mines in the Northern Coalfields, including Lafayette, circa 1973. Currently on display.
Trophy – Awarded to Miss Lafayette 1962-63, Gloria Richmond, as part of the Lafayette Days celebration.
Dishes – Each piece features artwork depicting a Lafayette landmark, including Simpson Street and the original Lafayette Elementary school building. Currently on display.
Colorado map – Framed map of the Colorado territory in 1867.
Jersey – Basketball jersey from Lafayette High School player.
Painting – An oil painting by Amos Dunn, a local artist, depicting a snow-covered landscape, completed in 1956.
Playbills – A collection of simple paper playbills from Centaurus High School shows in the 1970s and ’80s.
Blasting machine – A DuPont brand blasting machine used in coal mining to ignite explosives from a safe distance. Currently on display.

Tiers of Support

Tier 1 – $50
  • Adoption certificate
  • Digital history card with photo of object
  • Acknowledgement on website page
  • If object is exhibited, acknowledgement on object label
  • Tax deductible receipt
Tier 2 – $100

Everything included in Tier 1, plus…

  • 8×10″ print of artwork depicting historic Lafayette building – Great for giving a gift!
Tier 3 – $250

Everything included in Tier 2, plus…

  • Special shout out in newsletter 
  • Premium placement on website
Tier 4 – $500

Everything included in Tier 3, plus…

  • Four free tickets to Haunted History Walking Tours in October
Tier 5 – $750

Everything included in Tier 4, plus…

  • Virtual or in-person meet & greet with staff to discuss your artifact
Questions? Email info@lafayettehistoricalsociety.org or call 303-665-7030.

Adopt an Artifact

Name(Required)
Prices are per year.
If you are purchasing the adoption as a gift, please enter the recipient’s name below, as you want it to appear on the adoption certificate. After completing the adoption, a package including the adoption certificate and any other physical benefits from your tier will be mailed to you. If it is a gift, this allows you to add your own personal note, wrapping, etc. and send along to your gift recipient as you wish!

PLEASE NOTE

Your order is not complete until you press the “Pay Now” button below and pay the “adoption fee.” You will be taken to the PayPal website, but can choose to pay with a debit or credit card if you do not have a PayPal account by clicking on the corresponding button.

Thank you to our adopters!

Coming soon

Donate
Donate
Scroll to Top