Colorado Celebrates 150 Years of Statehood with Panel Discussion

The sun rises over the Western Slope, casting a warm glow over the rugged landscape. Folks around here are no strangers to celebration, but this year marks a milestone: 150 years of Colorado statehood.

As the state prepares to commemorate this occasion, The Colorado Sun is hosting a panel discussion, "Colorado Turns 150," at the Colorado SunFest 2026 event on May 1. Reporter Parker Yamasaki will moderate the conversation, which will delve into the state's history and how it's been shaped over time. Jason Hanson, chief creative officer and director of interpretation & research at History Colorado, and Annie Levinsky, vice president of History Colorado, will explore the complexities of Colorado's past and the ongoing "heritage audit" at History Colorado.

Here's the thing though: while Colorado is working to broaden its history, the federal government is taking a different approach, attempting to narrow it. This contrast raises important questions about how we choose to tell our stories and what we prioritize in our collective memory. Hanson, with his extensive background in historical research and interpretation, will likely bring a nuanced perspective to the discussion. His recent book, "Brewed at Altitude: A Beer Lover's History of Colorado," co-authored with Sam Bock, demonstrates his dedication to uncovering the intricacies of Colorado's past.

Levinsky, on the other hand, is leading the Heritage for All project, an initiative aimed at redefining community preservation. Her experience as executive director for Historic Denver, Inc. and her work at the Molly Brown House Museum have equipped her with a deep understanding of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. As the state celebrates its 150th anniversary, considering the role that historical preservation plays in shaping our identity is crucial for understanding the complexities of our shared history.

The panel discussion is part of a larger event, which will feature a range of conversations on topics relevant to Coloradans, from the challenges of an aging population to the complexities of housing relief. Keynote speaker Dean Baquet, former New York Times editor, will also be in attendance, bringing his expertise to the table.

As locals gather to celebrate this milestone, they'll be doing so in a state that's undergone significant transformations over the years. Picture this: a landscape that's been shaped by the forces of nature, human ingenuity, and the complexities of history. And that matters because it's a reminder that our stories are multifaceted, deserving of thoughtful consideration and nuanced exploration.

Not exactly a straightforward narrative, Colorado's history is marked by contradictions and paradoxes. The state's natural beauty, from the rugged mountains to the rolling hills, is undeniable. Yet, the human experience here has been shaped by a complex array of factors, from the indigenous peoples who first inhabited this land to the settlers who arrived later, bringing with them their own unique cultural practices and traditions.

As the celebration approaches, folks around here will be reflecting on what it means to be a part of this community, to be a Coloradan. The heritage audit underway at History Colorado is, in part, an attempt to reconcile the state's complex past, to acknowledge the stories that have been marginalized or overlooked. It's a process that requires careful consideration, a willingness to confront the complexities of our shared history.

In the end, it's the stories we tell about ourselves, about our past, and about our place in the world that shape our understanding of who we are. As Colorado marks its 150th anniversary, the community will be coming together to celebrate, to reflect, and to look toward the future. The sun sets over the landscape, casting a warm orange glow, a reminder of the beauty and complexity that defines this place and its people.