Exhibits & Programs
Current Exhibits
New Views of Lafayette
It’s easy to take for granted the place where you live, but changing your perspective can reveal exciting new aspects you’ve never noticed before. This exhibit displays two historical collections that give you a different view of Lafayette, both through history and how the buildings have changed physically. Explore aerial versions of the town over time with the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, and see close-up versions of buildings in town with the model houses constructed by Thomas Knill.
Open now!
Permanent Exhibits
Any time you visit, discover the history of Lafayette through exhibits detailing the city’s roots in coal mining, a kitchen representing life in the 1920s, and our outdoor space with farming tools, mining equipment, and even the original outhouse. See what outfit a miner would have worn, learn about our “radioactive” dishes, discover the history of nearby Waneka Lake, and more!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Events
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Hands-On History (Members only)
Lafayette History Museum 108 E. Simpson St., Lafayette, CO, United StatesCurious what it's like to work in a museum and handle historic artifacts? Now you can experience it for yourself! Join staff of the Lafayette History Museum to get trained in how to properly pick up and hold historic objects and get hands-on with objects from the museum's collection. Children 12 and older are welcome […]
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Peach Fest at the Lafayette History Museum
Lafayette History Museum 108 E. Simpson St., Lafayette, CO, United StatesOn your way to or from the Peach Festival, swing by the Lafayette History Museum for a morning of summer fun! Enjoy a free peach-flavored snow cone to cool off. Test your knowledge of Lafayette history (or learn some fun facts!) with a quiz game. Enjoy a tour of the museum (and the museum's A/C!). […]
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Lafayette Historical Society Board of Directors meeting
Lafayette Public Library 775 W. Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO, United StatesThe Lafayette Historical Society dba Lafayette History Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit governed by a Board of Directors. The Board meets on the second Thursday of each month (except for July and December) and meetings are open to the public to attend and comment. Meetings are typically from 6-7pm in the downstairs conference room at […]
Walking Tours
Want to bring history to life in a new way? Try one of our walking tours to learn about Lafayette history in the places where it all happened. We offer three walking tours, so there’s sure to be one that will fit your interest and age group. Walking tours are offered by appointment to fit your schedule.
Groups from 2 to 12 are welcome. Contact us about accommodating larger groups or other ages. All tours begin at Lafayette History Museum (108 E. Simpson St.). Walks last between 60 and 90 minutes (about a mile’s worth of walking) and travel over occasionally uneven terrain.
Email or call to book a tour: write to info@lafayettehistoricalsociety.org or call (303) 665-7030. Let us know if you have a preference for specific dates, days of the week, and/or times of day.
Please note that our tour leaders are very generously volunteering their time. Please allow at least two weeks for coordinating your tour.
Tours are free; donations are always appreciated! Donations are what enable the Museum to develop programs, update exhibits, and care for our collections. Recommended donation is $4 per person.
Lafayette: Then & Now
Looking for an engaging and educational experience for your school group, at-home learner, or curious child? This walking tour caters to all ages—adults included! The tour begins at Lafayette History Museum and ends at Simpson Mine Park via Simpson St.
Lafayette 911
Explore a side of Lafayette history steeped in danger. From fires to bank robberies and mine-related sinkholes, learn about these perilous events from someone who experienced a few first hand.
Historic Old Town
Our classic walking tour of Old Town Lafayette. Hear stories and see pictures from the past while strolling down old main street (Simpson St.). This is a great introduction to local history.
HAUNTED HISTORY WALKING TOURS
Haunted History tours will return in 2026! Be the first to know about ticket sales by signing up for our email newsletter below.
Get a mix of real historical events, ghost stories, and urban legends as you discover the secrets of the Tommyknockers and learn the truth about the Wild West’s only vampire!
Join your guides – Olivia Meikle, host of What’sHerName Podcast and author of A History of the World in 80 Lost Women and A Stinky History of Toilets -or- Chelsea Pennington Hahn, Executive Director of the Lafayette History Museum – for the 6th Annual Old Town Lafayette Haunted History Tour! Meet the spirits that haunt our town, discover the legends that shaped our community, and learn the true secrets of the Wild West’s only vampire!
The tour begins in front of 300 E Simpson St. and lasts about two hours. Attendees must be able to walk approximately 3/4 mile over occasionally uneven terrain.
Any donations made directly support the Lafayette History Museum and enable us to continue to develop programs, update exhibits, and care for our collections.
We also offer less-spooky, kid-friendly version of the tour. Evening tours, especially the earlier time slot when it’s light out, are generally appropriate for ages 12 and up, and maybe tough ten- and eleven-year-olds. You know your child best, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have to help you decide!
Show your ticket at Odd13 Brewing on the day of your tour for a special offer: Buy-one-get-one-free on any drink! (Limit one BOGO per person. You must show your tour ticket. Ticket must be from the same day the deal is redeemed.)
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email us or give us a call at 303-665-7030. Please keep in mind the phone is only monitored during our open hours.
We look forward to sharing Lafayette’s history with you!