Celebrating Colorado’s Sesquicentennial: A Journey Through History at Holly Creek’s Silverton Art Gallery

As Colorado approaches its 150th anniversary of statehood, its Sesquicentennial, alongside the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026, the residents of Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial are already getting into the spirit of celebration. At the heart of this early commemoration is an extraordinary new exhibit in the community’s Silverton Art Gallery, curated by Holly Creek resident and historian Dr. Judy Stalnaker.

The exhibit, which runs through August 2026, is a homage to the “Centennial State.” It weaves together the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Colorado’s robust history. For Judy, the project was a labor of love, driven by a desire to share the fascinating Colorado tales she has uncovered over the years.

An Unlikely Historian

Judy Stalnaker’s journey to becoming a curator of Colorado history is as unique as the stories she tells. Originally from Iowa, Judy moved to Colorado in 1971. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics, a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado (Boulder). For 23 years, she served as a Professor of Civil Engineering and later Associate Dean at the University of Colorado (Denver), retiring in 2004 as a President’s Teaching Scholar.

Interestingly, Judy wasn’t always a history buff. “I was an engineering professor,” she recalls with a smile. “In fact, in my undergraduate days, I tried to stay away from history classes. I took philosophy so I wouldn’t have to take a history class.”

Her passion for the past was unexpectedly ignited when she lived in a high-rise apartment building at 888 Logan Street in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the building housed some of the biggest names of Denver society.

“People in that apartment building told me that Buffalo Bill’s mortician used to live here, and President Eisenhower used to come here all the time to visit a friend,” Judy explains.

Intrigued, she went to the Denver Public Library and scoured microfiche records to uncover the building’s secrets. She confirmed the rumors. Joseph Bono, Buffalo Bill’s mortician, had indeed lived there, as had cable television pioneer Bill Daniels. This deep dive into local lore sparked a lifelong fascination with Colorado history.

Curating the Sesquicentennial Exhibit

When the Holly Creek art group discussed creating an exhibit for Colorado’s 150th anniversary, Judy eagerly volunteered. Her motivation was twofold: to celebrate the state she loves and to continue her own education. “Part of my inspiration is that it would help me learn even more about Colorado’s history,” she notes.

The resulting exhibit in the Silverton Art Gallery is a comprehensive and visually engaging journey through time. It features 16 storyboards, each containing two captivating stories about Colorado history. A detailed timeline anchors the space, highlighting key events and figures chosen specifically by Judy.

Among the fascinating stories Judy chose to highlight is the tale of the Colorado State Capitol dome. Originally intended to be covered in copper, the legislature soon realized that gold was a much more fitting symbol of the state’s mining heritage, leading to the iconic gilded dome we see today. Another storyboard details the “First Flight Over Denver” in 1910, which drew a quarter of the city’s population, an estimated 50,000 people, to Overland Park to witness the relatively new flying machines.

A Collaborative Community Effort

The exhibit is not only a reflection of Judy’s historical research; it is also a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Holly Creek community. Recognizing that the exhibit needed visuals capturing Colorado’s natural beauty, Judy reached out to her neighbors.

“I knew I wanted a visual representation of Colorado; it’s such a beautiful state,” said Judy. Fellow residents David Vitale and team member Nora Adams contributed stunning landscape photographs, and another resident provided a beautiful oil painting of aspen trees in autumn. Judy’s husband, Pete, also contributed photographs of historic Denver mansions.

One of Judy’s favorite pieces in the exhibit is her “flag” display. Using her computer skills, she designed a custom banner featuring the words “Colorado 150 years of statehood,” the state flag, and a vintage image of a gold miner. She had the design printed onto a large cloth poster to introduce the gallery.

Inspiring a Love for History

Through her meticulous research and comprehensive curation, Judy has created an exhibit that is both educational and deeply engaging. But what does she hope visitors will take away from their time in the Silverton Art Gallery?

“What I want visitors to do is love Colorado history as much as I do,” Judy shared. “It is so interesting; there are so many interesting little facts.”

Whether you are a lifelong Coloradan or a recent transplant, Judy Stalnaker’s Sesquicentennial exhibit offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of the Centennial State. Residents, families, and friends are invited to visit the Silverton Art Gallery at Holly Creek and discover the fascinating stories that make Colorado truly unique. The exhibit will be on display through August 2026.