About the
Carbondale Historical Society
The Mt. Sopris Historical Society (MSHS) was chartered in 1984, by a group of concerned citizens, some of them descendants of original homesteading families, who felt an urgent need to preserve the historical assets and heritage of the Crystal River Valley. Recently the organization changed its name to the Carbondale Historical Society to better reflect our main focus and make it easier to find us online.
CHS own and operates the Historic Log Cabin and the Old Jailhouse and is the steward of the Thompson House Museum. CHS owns and cares for the contents of the Thompson House Museum and other artifacts and archives donated by the community. CHS also maintains a research library comprised of local history books, newspaper articles, memoirs, photos and recorded narratives.
"The past reminds us of timeless human truths and allows for the perpetuation of cultural traditions that can be nourishing; it contains examples of mistakes to avoid, preserves the memory of alternatives ways of doing things, and is the basis for self-understanding..."
~Bettina Drew
Our Mission
To preserve and communicate the rich, enduring story of the people drawn to live in the Roaring Fork and Crystal River Valleys.
Our Board
President Stephen Shapiro
Treasurer Maggie McVoy
Marge Palmer
Jessica Markham
Will Grandbois
Christi Couch
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Docent and Lead Curator -
Sue Gray
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We Need Your Support Today!