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The Crested Butte Museum has preserved many photographs, artifacts, and stories since its inception in 1993. Community members and historians over the years have been recorded in the form of first accounts, oral histories, and various webinar series. Explore our digital library from anywhere to learn about the history of Crested Butte!

History Tidbits – Museum Blog

Discovering the Real Al Johnson

Jun 2, 2016

LOOKING FOR AL - Discovering the Real Al Johnson, the Heroic Mail Carrier, and on at least one Occasion the Female Impersonating, Downhill Champion of the 1880's -Written by Michael Callihan Google the phrase “Al Johnson Race costumes” and you'll find photos of skiers...

No Ghost Town

Mar 22, 2016

As the month of March gets going, we are all reminded of two things. First, the most obvious, are all the visitors who choose this beautiful area to explore with their families. The second most prevalent thought in our heads is the upcoming off season and the closing of the ski area. Flauschink is only a couple of weeks away, at which point we spend some time with George Sibley and Duane Vandenbusche remembering the humble beginnings of the Crested Butte Ski Area, along with celebrating the “Has-Been’s,” while crowning new royalty.
When the community gets together and begins to reminisce, there is this notion of a “quiet” period in the history of this area. Often it gets repeated that only 250 people lived here year round after 1952 when the Big Mine closed, which alludes to the notorious idea that Crested Butte was a ghost town until recently.

Oral Histories

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History of the Gunnison Country Series

With Duane Vandenbusche

Crested Butte History Series

By Red Lady Films

Interviews with folks who have called Crested Butte home. Each discusses a topic important to them and how it influences the Gunnison Valley. Videos by Red Lady Films. A special thank you to the Crested Butte Creative District for supporting projects like these.

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Preservation Month Series

The Crested Butte Museum held an online speaker series celebrating National Preservation Month in Gunnison County. We aimed to highlight the many significant rehabilitation efforts that have preserved the history of our communities.

History at Home Series

Through “History at Home,” the museum aims to connect you with our history and with each other. We aim to bring a diverse array of voices to dig into history from different perspectives. You’ll be surprised by what you learn! From fur trappers in the West to the Gunnison Valley Cora community, you’ll hear stories from people in and out of the valley.