History · Exhibits · Events

Welcome to Florence Pioneer Museum and Research Center

It Takes a Community

In the time since, the Florence Pioneer Museum opened on September 12, 1964, the Board members have received many artifacts from its pioneering residents. Today, the Museum is still receiving these wonderful antiques. So much so that in 2014 the Museum Board purchased 104 East Front Street for added display square footage and NOW we’ve again run out of square footage and are expanding again…BIG TIME!

The Museum Board in 2015 began addressing the structural needs of the then 2-building complex by adding HVAC, insulation, period correct storm windows, updated electrical and roofing issues. Then in 2017. 104 East Front Street was purchased. All those repairs and additions were from fundraising and a couple of mini grants amounting to $156,000.

By Fall 2023, the Museum Board has taken on the complete rehabilitation of the 1894 Braden/Griffith Block. When finished the Block will be that of 1894. The second story will be the research library and the 1977 addition will be remodeled to mirror the 1894 time period. Grants and fundraisers are underway.

The Museum Board has also purchased the property directly behind us on Railroad Street. Theis will be come and outdoor exhibit of large oil and coal equipment The display park is called BLACK GOLD/DIAMONDS—FLORENCE TEA!! Again, the funding will come from grants, donations, and fundraising.

Want to donate to the Museum to help with the expansion? Go to the “Give Back” link up above and choose the way you would like to donate to the Museum.

And Thank You!

Our mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the rich historical heritage of Florence Colorado, the surrounding mining towns and eastern Fremont County.

Check the events page for “Chili & Beer” April 27, 2024. Care to share your chili with the Museum? Click on the “Events” link for more information.

Contact us

Call us 719-784-1904

Directory

  • Tuesday-Friday: 1:00pm-4:00 pm

    Saturday: 10:00am-3:00pm

    Sunday-Monday: CLOSED

    Call us to make special arrangements and reservations.

    We are closed if Fremont RE-2 school district closes their schools for weather related events.

    September 3rd, Saturday: the Museum will be closed. FPM will reopen Tuesday, September 6th at 1:00 pm.

    Thank you for your understanding.

  • $5 per person 9 years old and up.

    8 years old and below FREE!

    Cash, check, debit & major credit cards and online payments accepted.

  • We are entirely funded by donations, grants, and fundraisers and greatly appreciate your support. Donate now →

Walking Tours

The Florence Pioneer Museum and Research Center offers guided tours through the historic downtown of Florence, Colorado. Contact us to RSVP.

Building Fund

Give back with our “Bricks for Bucks” program. A minimum donation of $25 includes adding your family's name on the museum's "Forever Wall".

Membership

Become a member of the 2022 Century Club by donating $100 to the museum. We are entirely funded by donations, grants, and fundraisers and greatly appreciate your support.

General Store

Shop online for gifts found in the museum, including books by local authors, souvenirs, historical maps, and more.

Testimonials

  • ★★★★★

    Several years ago, I had planned to travel to Colorado Springs and decided that I would like to take that opportunity to find out more about the mining town of Rockvale where my grandmother spent four childhood years in the late nineteenth century. My information about the area and the lives of my great-grandparents was very limited, but I was always curious to see the area and learn more about it. I discovered that there was a Pioneer Museum in Florence--within ten miles of Rockvale. I contacted the museum to inform them of my travel plans and explain my interest in the area. Marty, one of the museum docents, answered my email and delved into finding more information about the family names and dates that I could provide. My 2020 trip had to be cancelled, but two years later, I was finally able to follow through on my plans to visit. Marty remembered me and went out of her way to accommodate my schedule. Her coworker, Gayle, also had been involved with the research. Talking to both of them on the phone as plans were finalized felt like I was reconnecting with old friends. They even arranged a private guided tour of Rockvale with a local resident and author.

    When a friend and I arrived, we were shown around all the displays in the museum and given detailed explanations on the history of the area. We were both so impressed by the extensive information available and the way in which it was organized and presented. Much time and talent were obviously involved in creating this museum. I'm grateful for the personal attention provided in answering my questions and guiding my tour of the museum. The museum offered a wealth of information about the early settlers, the development of the mining towns, railroads, businesses, and the daily lives of the people. It was a great learning experience that was equally enjoyed by my friend even though she had no personal ties to the area. Having spent many years living in a large metropolitan area, I was amazed to discover a truly rich educational resource at the Pioneer Museum and receive such kind and helpful attention from the staff.

    — Mary L.

  • ★★★★★

    Great experience here. The staff really takes pride in their history, was super friendly and welcoming. Will definitely return.

    — Aaron S.

  • ★★★★★

    This place is a great find! There is so much to learn about this hidden little town and its history. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You could spend a few hours here reading and learning some very interesting things about the history of Florence.

    — Susie J.