During the late winter of 1991, while brainstorming over what could be done with the abandoned swimming pool facility, which was an eyesore, safety hazard and under-utilized city property, Bill Macy and Bob Bowland put pencil to yellow legal pad and drew the outlines of what would become the 9,800 square foot Heritage Museum and Visitor Center. 

They brought their concept to the bi-monthly meeting of “KCAT”, (Kellogg Community Activation Task Force).  KCAT was comprised of a group of citizens from city government, county government, the school district, the recreation district, the historical society and any other group interested in the future of Idaho Springs. 

Earlier in the summer of 1991, discussions had been held among the Historical Society, the City of Idaho Springs, the Chamber of Commerce and the School Board.  The Chamber was located in the small cabin at about 2300 Miner Street and needed more space, as did the Historical Society that was crowded into the Underhill Museum trying to exhibit its growing collection of antiques.  The School Board needed a facility to house three grades while Carlson Elementary was being renovated.  The solution would be a win/win/win! 

If the Heritage Visitor Center could be completed in nine months, just in time to open for the school year, the school district could pay “rent” of $102,000.00, rather than renting temporary spaces for the children.  Many volunteers worked many hours to apply for various grants, state funded monies and contributions from companies and organizations to make up the balance of the funding needed to construct the new museum and visitor center. 

Miraculously, the 9,800 square foot facility was ready for occupancy by the completion date!  Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students showed up for class and inaugurated the building on September 8, 1992.  The Idaho Springs community was extremely generous with donations and support to see this vision come true. 

To date, the Heritage Museum and Visitor Center are open 7 days a week.  There is a nominal fee for entry into the Museum.  The Visitor Center is a great place to pick up a unique gift or souvenir and get answers to all of your questions about the area.  The next large project will be to complete work on the exhibits and renovations on the second floor of the Museum.