City of Greeley News

GREELEY, Colo. — The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission invites the public to a free, pre-Chautauqua walking tour and a special Young Chautauqua History Hour event in July.

On July 21, City Historic Preservation Planner Betsy Kellums will lead a walking tour of downtown. The tour focuses on Greeley Modern architecture, including buildings from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The tour will meet on the north side of City Hall, 1000 10th Street, at 6:00 p.m. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are encouraged. The tour route is wheelchair accessible.

History Hour Features Greeley Youth

On Thursday, July 24 at noon, head to the Greeley History Museum, 714 8th Street, for a special performance by Young Chautauquans. All three students are 5th graders from Chappleow Arts Magnet School and in their third year with the program.

• Elias Mireles will portray Cesar Chavez, an advocate for migrant farm workers in the 1900s. He is also an actor with the Stampede Troupe.
• Delanie Hooten will bring to life Gertrude Ederle, a champion swimmer who was the first woman to swim the English Channel. Delanie enjoys playing basketball and bakes cakes, pies and cookies.
• Maggie Jo Lemons will portray Ruth Handler, creator of Barbie. Ruth helped to create breast prosthetics after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Maggie Jo loves horseback riding and recently performed in her school musical.

Started in the late 1800s, Chautauqua is a program that combines education and entertainment. It brings history to life through performances and storytelling. Young Chautauquans pick a person from history to learn about. They write and memorize a speech as if they are that person. Then they perform it and answer questions in character.

These events are free and open to the public, and no reservations are required.

High Plains Chautauqua

This signature event is held annually in Greeley. Audiences enjoy performances by nationally acclaimed Chautauqua scholars who bring history to life. This year’s event will be held August 4-8 at Aims Community College Welcome Center. The theme is America in the 20th Century. Learn more at highplainschautauqua.org.

For more information, contact Betsy Kellums in the Historic Preservation Office at hpo@greeleygov.com or betsy.kellums@greeleygov.com or 970-350-9222.

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