Find digitized documents that may help in your research, including directories here.

Our collection of Durango High School yearbooks is here.

We have been working to digitize our small collection of audio tapes. Learn more about this project here.

If you have a research request, please email info@animasmuseum.org or call the Museum at 970 259-2402 to make an appointment. We charge $20 per hour for research.

Two researchers examine a piece of pottery

In 2022, the Animas Museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to analyze and make accessible their collection of Ancestral Pueblo pottery. Learn more about this project here.

Exhibits

Teacher Martha Clark

Restored 1905 Classroom

Our permanent exhibit is reminiscent of school rooms across the country in the early part of the 20th Century. The high ceilings, large double-hung windows, school-house lights, slate blackboards, and ornate desks all speak to a different era in education.

Wish You Were Here...

An exhibit created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution's Journey Stories, Wish You Were Here tells the compelling stories of how we came to be in La Plata County.

Law and Disorder

Opened in the Fall of 2012, Law and Disorder tells the true story of life in the Wild West. Meet T.J. McCluer, Jr., the sheriff of La Plata County and see some of his belongings. Learn about the cowboys that roamed the valleys and the bitter feud that rivaled the Hatfields and McCoys. Hangings, shootouts, bank robberies -- we have it all!

Forged by Flame

In conjunction with the tenth anniversary of the Missionary Ridge fire, the Animas Museum updated this exhibit to tell how fires have changed the county.

Native American Gallery

We are excited to announce that the gallery is re-opened after some major renovations. Visit and learn more about the Basketmaker peoples that lived in the Animas Valley.

Self Guided Walking Tours

Download .pdf files for Historic Downtown Durango,the Third Avenue Residential District and the Animas City Walking Tour.

Donate

We welcome donations of artifacts, documents, and photos that are in keeping with our mission. Items must have a connection to La Plata County. It is best if they tell an interesting story about La Plata county places, residents or events. Once an item is accepted into our permanent collection we assume responsibility for its care forever. This can be an expensive prospect. Please consider a monetary donation along with the item. Items may also be accepted for inclusion in our education collection. These items may be handled by students, or used. Please download and read this brochure for more information. Email collections@animasmuseum.org for more information.

Research

The Animas Museum offers a variety of resources for students, authors, genealogists, and all others interested in the history of La Plata County. Call the Museum at 970 259-2402 or email info@animasmsueum.org for more information. We charge $20 per hour for research.

Download a list of the subjects or of the families for which we maintain files.