How to Tour the Black American West Museum in Denver

The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center in Denver, Colorado, stands as a vital cultural institution dedicated to preserving, honoring, and educating the public about the profound and often overlooked contributions of African Americans to the settlement, development, and legacy of the American West. Founded in 1971 by Dr. Beulah E. Smith, a passionate historian and educator, the museum was established to correct historical omissions and to ensure that the stories of Black cowboys, pioneers, entrepreneurs, lawmen, and settlers are not erased from the narrative of the frontier. Today, the museum continues to serve as a beacon of truth, resilience, and cultural pride, offering visitors an immersive, educational, and deeply moving experience.

Touring the Black American West Museum is more than a sightseeing activity—it is an act of historical reclamation. Unlike mainstream Western museums that often center white narratives, this institution confronts the erasure of Black voices with curated artifacts, oral histories, photographs, and interactive displays that reveal the full spectrum of Black life in the West. From the trailblazing All-Black cavalry units of the U.S. Army to the Black-owned ranches of Oklahoma and the pioneering entrepreneurs of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, the museum’s collection brings to life stories that textbooks have long ignored.

For tourists, educators, students, and history enthusiasts, a visit to this museum is an essential component of understanding the true complexity of American history. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning, navigating, and maximizing your experience at the Black American West Museum. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to deepen your understanding, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to engage meaningfully with the exhibits, respect the cultural context, and connect with the enduring legacy of Black Westerners.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before setting foot on the museum grounds, take time to research its current offerings. The Black American West Museum operates on a limited schedule due to its size and community-based funding model. Visit the official website—blackamericanwestmuseum.org—to confirm hours of operation, special events, and temporary exhibitions. The museum is typically open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday hours during peak seasons. It is closed on major holidays, so always verify before traveling.

Consider the season and weather when planning. Denver’s high-altitude climate can be unpredictable, with sudden temperature shifts even in summer. Dress in layers and bring water, especially if you plan to explore nearby historic sites like the Five Points neighborhood after your visit. The museum is located at 3091 California Street, Denver, CO 80205, in the heart of the historic Five Points district, once known as the “Harlem of the West” for its vibrant African American cultural scene.

For groups of 10 or more, advance reservations are strongly encouraged. While walk-ins are welcome, reserving a time slot ensures access to guided tours and avoids potential wait times during busy weekends or school breaks. Use the online contact form on the museum’s website to request a reservation, specifying your group size, preferred date and time, and any special needs or educational objectives.

2. Prepare for the Experience

Entering the museum is not just about viewing artifacts—it’s about entering a space of memory, resistance, and triumph. To enhance your experience, spend 15–20 minutes before your visit reading a few key historical overviews. The museum’s website features a “Learn Before You Visit” section with short articles on Black cowboys, the Buffalo Soldiers, and the migration of African Americans to Colorado during the Gold Rush and Homestead Act eras. These readings will help contextualize what you see.

Bring a notebook or use your smartphone to take notes. Many exhibits include primary source documents, such as letters from Black settlers or newspaper clippings from the 1880s, that offer rich details not explained in display labels. Consider downloading the museum’s free audio guide app (available on iOS and Android) or scanning QR codes placed beside select exhibits for deeper commentary from historians and descendants of featured individuals.

For educators and students, download the museum’s free curriculum packets. These are aligned with Colorado state social studies standards and include pre-visit activities, discussion prompts, and post-visit assessments. Families with children can request the “Young Historians” activity sheet, which includes a scavenger hunt and drawing prompts designed to engage younger visitors.

3. Arrive Early and Begin at the Entrance Gallery

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled entry time. The museum’s entrance is modest, but the impact is immediate. The entrance gallery features a large mural titled “We Were There,” depicting over 50 Black figures from the 19th and early 20th centuries—cowboys, teachers, miners, and civil rights activists—standing shoulder to shoulder against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Take a moment here to absorb the scale of representation.

At the front desk, you’ll be greeted by a museum ambassador who will provide a brief orientation. They may ask if you’re visiting as an individual, a family, or an educational group. This helps them tailor your experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions: “What’s the most underrated exhibit here?” or “Which story changed your perspective the most?” These conversations often lead to personal revelations.

4. Follow the Chronological Journey Through the Main Halls

The museum’s permanent exhibition is arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through the evolution of Black life in the West. Begin with the “Frontier Beginnings” section, which explores the presence of African Americans in Spanish and Mexican territories before U.S. expansion. You’ll see replicas of tools used by Black fur trappers, maps showing the routes of Black pioneers, and testimonials from freedmen who traveled west seeking freedom and land.

Move into the “Cowboys and Ranchers” gallery, the heart of the museum. Here, you’ll encounter life-sized mannequins dressed in authentic 1880s cowboy gear, alongside original saddles, spurs, and lassos owned by Black cowboys like Nat Love, known as “Deadwood Dick,” and Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi. Interactive touchscreens allow you to listen to audio recordings of descendants recounting family stories passed down through generations.

Next, enter the “Buffalo Soldiers” exhibit. This section honors the African American regiments of the U.S. Army that served on the Western frontier from 1866 to 1944. Artifacts include uniforms, medals, and personal letters. A particularly powerful display is a recreated barracks tent with a soldier’s diary open to a page describing his first encounter with the Grand Canyon—written with pride, yet laced with the pain of serving a nation that denied him full citizenship.

The “Urban Frontiers” gallery shifts focus to the 20th century, highlighting Black communities in Denver, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City. You’ll find photographs of jazz clubs in Five Points, storefronts owned by Black entrepreneurs, and documents from the 1950s Civil Rights marches in Colorado. A highlight is the “Denver’s Black Business District” map, which pinpoints over 200 Black-owned enterprises from the 1920s to 1970s, many of which still operate today.

5. Engage with the Oral History Corner

Do not skip the Oral History Corner, tucked into a quiet alcove near the back of the museum. This intimate space features headphones and seating for visitors to listen to 20+ recorded interviews with descendants of Black Westerners. One woman recounts how her great-grandfather, a former enslaved person, walked from Texas to Colorado with his family in 1875, carrying only a Bible and a cooking pot. Another man describes his grandfather’s role in building the first Black church in Denver, using bricks he fired himself.

These stories are raw, personal, and often heartbreaking. They humanize statistics and transform abstract history into lived experience. Spend at least 15 minutes here. You may hear voices that echo your own family’s migration story—or discover connections you never knew existed.

6. Explore the Rotating Exhibits and Special Collections

The museum’s rotating exhibits change quarterly and often feature rarely seen artifacts loaned from private collections or universities. Recent exhibits have included “Black Women of the Range,” showcasing the roles of Black women as ranchers, educators, and community leaders; and “The Art of the Trail: Black Artists of the West,” featuring paintings and quilts created by African American artists who lived and worked in Colorado.

Check the website before your visit to see what’s currently on display. If you’re interested in a specific theme—such as military service, religion, or education—ask the staff for recommendations. The museum’s curator often highlights hidden gems not listed in brochures, such as a 1905 newspaper article declaring “Negroes Are the Best Cowboys” or a pair of boots worn by a Black rodeo champion who toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

7. Visit the Museum Store and Leave a Legacy

Before exiting, stop by the museum store. It’s not a typical gift shop—it’s a curated archive. Items include books by Black Western historians, children’s picture books featuring Black cowboys, handmade leather goods crafted by local artisans, and reprints of historical documents. Proceeds directly support the museum’s educational programs and preservation efforts.

Consider making a donation. The museum relies heavily on community support. Even a $10 contribution helps digitize oral histories or restore a deteriorating photograph. You can donate at the counter or online after your visit. Many visitors leave notes in the guestbook, sharing how the tour changed their understanding of American history. Your voice adds to the legacy.

8. Extend Your Experience: Walk the Five Points Heritage Trail

After your museum visit, take a 10-minute walk to explore the Five Points neighborhood. The museum provides a free printed walking map that highlights 12 key sites, including the former location of the Rossonian Hotel—a legendary jazz venue that hosted Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong. You’ll also pass the site of the first Black-owned bank in Denver and the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in 1962.

Many local restaurants in Five Points serve soul food with historical roots, such as smothered pork chops and peach cobbler, recipes brought west by migrants from the South. Ask for the “Black West Menu” at the Rossonian Café, which includes dishes inspired by 19th-century trail meals.

Best Practices

Respect the Sacredness of the Space

The Black American West Museum is not a theme park or a novelty attraction. It is a memorial, a classroom, and a sanctuary for descendants of those whose stories were buried. Avoid taking selfies in front of exhibits that depict trauma, such as lynching records or segregated train cars. Be mindful of your tone—this is not a place for casual chatter or loud laughter. Speak softly, listen deeply.

Ask Questions, But Listen More

Staff members are knowledgeable and passionate, but they are also often descendants of the people represented in the exhibits. When they share a personal story, respond with gratitude, not curiosity. Avoid asking, “How did they survive?” or “Why didn’t they leave?” These questions presume a lack of agency. Instead, ask, “What gave them strength?” or “How did their community support them?”

Bring an Open Mind

Many visitors arrive expecting to see only cowboys. They leave with a transformed understanding of Black resilience in every sphere of Western life: medicine, law, religion, agriculture, and education. Be prepared to confront uncomfortable truths—such as the fact that many Black settlers were denied land rights despite the Homestead Act, or that Buffalo Soldiers were often assigned the harshest duties with the worst equipment. These are not footnotes; they are central to the story.

Use Inclusive Language

When discussing exhibits, use language that affirms agency and dignity. Say “Black pioneers” instead of “Black settlers,” “enslaved people” instead of “slaves,” and “Black cowboys” instead of “Black riders.” Language shapes perception, and the museum’s mission is to restore humanity to those who were dehumanized by history.

Support the Community Beyond the Visit

True engagement doesn’t end when you leave the museum. Follow the museum on social media. Share their posts. Recommend the museum to friends, educators, and book clubs. Consider volunteering—many roles require no prior experience, from archiving photos to helping with youth programs. Your continued support ensures the stories endure.

Teach What You Learn

If you’re an educator, bring your students back. If you’re a parent, talk to your children about what you saw. If you’re a writer or artist, create something inspired by the exhibits. The museum’s mission is not just preservation—it’s propagation. The more people who know these stories, the less likely they are to be forgotten again.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: blackamericanwestmuseum.org

The museum’s website is the primary hub for all visitor information. It includes digital archives, event calendars, educational resources, and a virtual tour option for those unable to visit in person. The site is mobile-friendly and includes alt-text for all images, making it accessible to screen readers.

Audio Guide App: “Black West Voices”

Available for free on iOS and Android, this app offers narrated commentary on 35 key exhibits. Narrators include museum staff, historians from the University of Colorado, and descendants of featured individuals. The app works offline, so no Wi-Fi is needed once downloaded.

Free Curriculum Kits

Designed for grades 4–12, these downloadable packets include lesson plans, primary source analysis worksheets, and discussion guides. Aligned with Common Core and Colorado state standards, they’re ideal for classroom use. Request them via the museum’s education portal.

Oral History Archive

The museum has digitized over 120 oral histories, many of which are available on their website under “Voices of the West.” These recordings are searchable by keyword, location, or occupation. Teachers can assign them as homework; researchers can cite them in academic work.

Books and Publications

Recommended reading includes:

• The Black West: A Documentary and Pictorial History of the African American Role in the Expansion of the United States by William Loren Katz
• Black Cowboys of Texas by Sarah L. Webb
• Buffalo Soldiers: African American Troops in the U.S. Forces, 1866–1945 by Robert M. Utley
• Denver’s Five Points: The Heart of the Black Community by Dr. Evelyn Higginbotham

Many of these titles are available for purchase in the museum store or through the museum’s online bookstore.

Local Partnerships

The museum collaborates with the Denver Public Library, the Colorado Historical Society, and the University of Denver’s African American Studies Program. These institutions offer joint programs, including monthly lectures, film screenings, and walking tours. Check their calendars for events tied to the museum’s exhibits.

Accessibility Tools

The museum is fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Large-print guides are available upon request. ASL interpreters can be arranged with 72 hours’ notice. The museum also offers sensory-friendly hours on the first Saturday of each month for neurodiverse visitors.

Real Examples

Example 1: A High School History Class from Aurora, Colorado

In spring 2023, a group of 28 students from East High School in Aurora visited the museum as part of their U.S. History curriculum. Their teacher, Ms. Rivera, had spent weeks preparing them with readings on the Homestead Act and Reconstruction. After the tour, students wrote reflective essays. One student, Jamal, wrote: “I thought cowboys were all white. I didn’t know my own ancestors could have been part of that story. I went home and asked my grandma if we ever lived in Colorado. She said our great-great-grandfather moved here in 1880. I never knew that.” The class later created a digital exhibit titled “Our Western Roots,” which was displayed in the school library and featured on the museum’s website.

Example 2: A Retired Teacher from Kansas City

After retiring, Eleanor Johnson, 72, decided to visit every major African American historical site in the West. She traveled from Missouri to California, documenting her journey on a blog. Her visit to the Black American West Museum was the most emotionally impactful. “I saw a photo of my great-aunt, Mary Johnson, standing outside her general store in Pueblo,” she wrote. “I didn’t know she was a business owner. I thought she just raised kids. Now I know she was a pillar.” Eleanor donated the family Bible that once belonged to Mary—now displayed in the “Women of the West” exhibit.

Example 3: A Tourist from Germany

During a 10-day road trip across the American West, Klaus Müller from Berlin stopped at the museum on a whim. He had studied U.S. history in school but had never encountered the Black Western narrative. “In Germany, we learn about slavery, but not about what happened after,” he said. “I didn’t know Black people built towns, owned land, and rode horses across deserts. This museum changed my entire view of America.” He later wrote a feature article for a German cultural magazine, which led to increased European tourism to the museum.

Example 4: A Film Crew Documenting Black Western Heritage

In 2022, a documentary team from PBS’s “American Experience” spent three weeks filming at the museum for their upcoming series, “The Forgotten Frontier.” They interviewed staff, accessed rare archival materials, and recorded oral histories. The resulting episode, “Black Cowboys, Red Dirt Roads,” aired nationally and received a Peabody Award. The museum received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities as a result, allowing them to expand their digital archive.

FAQs

Is there an admission fee?

The Black American West Museum operates on a suggested donation of $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $3 for children under 12. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Donations directly support preservation and educational outreach.

How long does a typical tour take?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the exhibits. If you participate in a guided tour or spend time in the oral history corner, plan for up to three hours.

Can I bring a group?

Yes. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to reserve in advance. The museum offers tailored tours for schools, universities, corporate teams, and cultural organizations.

Are children welcome?

Absolutely. The museum offers age-appropriate activity sheets and storytelling sessions for children. The exhibits are designed to be engaging for all ages, with visual storytelling and tactile elements.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted for personal use in most areas, but flash and tripods are prohibited. Some exhibits may have restrictions due to fragile artifacts or donor agreements. Always ask staff before taking photos.

Does the museum offer virtual tours?

Yes. The museum offers a 45-minute virtual tour via Zoom, complete with live Q&A with a museum educator. Ideal for remote classrooms or international audiences. Book through the website’s education portal.

Can I donate artifacts or documents?

The museum accepts donations of historically significant items related to African American life in the West. All donations are reviewed by the curatorial team. Contact the museum to schedule an evaluation.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available upon request.

Can I volunteer?

Volunteers are essential to the museum’s operations. Opportunities include archiving, docent training, event assistance, and digital outreach. No prior experience is required—just a passion for history and community.

Why isn’t this museum more widely known?

Historically, mainstream media and educational institutions have marginalized Black Western narratives. The museum has fought for decades to gain recognition. Its growing popularity is a testament to the power of community-driven history. More people are discovering it—and that’s changing the narrative.

Conclusion

Touring the Black American West Museum in Denver is not a passive experience. It is a journey into the heart of American identity—a place where the myths of the Wild West are dismantled, and the truth is revealed with quiet dignity. Every artifact, every photograph, every voice in the oral history corner is a piece of a puzzle long ignored. To visit is to bear witness. To listen is to honor. To learn is to transform.

This museum does not ask you to feel sorry for the past. It asks you to recognize the power of those who built, survived, and thrived despite a system designed to erase them. The Black cowboys didn’t ride into the sunset—they rode into history. And now, through this museum, their legacy is no longer hidden in the dust.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Colorado, a traveler passing through, or a student of history halfway across the world, this museum is yours to visit. Take the time. Bring your curiosity. Leave with your perspective changed. And when you do, tell someone else. Because the most powerful act of remembrance is not just to see—it’s to share.