Littleton Museum - Step Back in Time

As you round the shores of Ketring Lake in Old Littleton, you may surprised to hear the enthusiastic bray of a nearby donkey, or the bleating of new lambs. Well, you have not stumbled into an eccentric’s backyard, but rather walked back in time.

The Littleton Museum, located at 6028 S. Gallup Street in Littleton, CO is a historic gem. Surrounded by quaint Littleton homes, this 39-acre portion of Littleton real estate has been put to good use for the benefit of all who call Littleton home. A repository for all things Littleton, the museum provides a glimpse into the past. The main building includes a research center that is open to the public for those who would like to know more about the city, their neighborhood, or even their home.

The artifact collection is home to 40,000 items that define Littleton‘s past.  As you walk among the glass cabinets you can wonder at old photographs, clothing, machinery and personal memorabilia from Littleton‘s founding families. Toward the back of the museum building is the children’s area. This hands-on exploratorium has several exhibits that peak the interest of the youngest Littleton residents. Displays include a covered wagon, a 19th century kitchen playroom, a reading center, and newspaper workshop. There are also conference rooms and a well-stocked gift shop.

At the rear of the museum building you will pass through the doors and enter the farm portion. These doors represent a time portal where you can choose to enter the 1860′s or 1890′s.

To the right is the 1860′s. This side of the farm has a log cabin, livestock, barn, pig sty, and Littleton‘s original one-room log schoolhouse. There are also volunteers and museum employees dressed in the garb of the era working the farm.  We have been witness to fruit canning, bread baking, and sheep shearing.  There is also a teacher in residence.  These historical interpreters are experts on their time period and are excited to answer any questions from museum goers, no matter what age they may be.

After you have toured the 1860′s, you can follow the path to the 1890′s farm. This farm is home to the relocated Bemis house. The Bemis’ were a prominent Littleton family whose son, Edwin, was once the editor of the Littleton newspaper.

There is also a barn, windmill, chicken coop (complete with chicks), wagons and tool shed.

This homestead also has an active blacksmith shop. The blacksmith is on-hand to answer questions and will even take a custom order on occasion.

The Littleton Museum is nestled in heart of Old Littleton. It is open Tuesday through Sunday all year. There are special events including the pumpkin patch in the fall and a Christmas celebration.

Admission to the Littleton Museum is free, however, donations are greatly appreciated.