Welcome to the Rifle Heritage Center, a treasure trove of local history nestled in the heart of Rifle, Colorado. Founded in 1967, this museum has dedicated over fifty years to preserving and interpreting the vibrant past of Rifle and its surrounding area. Originally established as the Rifle Creek Museum, the center began as a modest collection housed in a schoolhouse that was saved from the construction of the Rifle Gap Reservoir. This schoolhouse, once part of the now-submerged town of Austin, became the initial home for the museum’s growing collection of artifacts.
In the early days, the Rifle Creek Homemakers ladies club played a crucial role in gathering and preserving artifacts that locals were keen to save from obscurity. By 1982, the museum had outgrown its original home and moved into a new location at the former city hall building in Rifle, a move made possible through an agreement with the city to lease the space for a mere $10 a year.
As you explore the museum’s exhibits, you’ll encounter immersive displays that bring to life the stories of the pioneers who shaped the area. From ranchers and miners to photographers and doctors, the diverse professions of Rifle’s early settlers are showcased in over 20 rooms filled with artifacts and stories. Notably, the museum features a significant Native American exhibit and plans to recreate the studio of Fred Garrison and Ola Anfenson, the region’s earliest photographers.
The Rifle Heritage Center also plays a pivotal role in community education, hosting presentations by local historians on significant events such as the Meeker Massacre of 1879. This event marked a turning point in the area’s history, leading to the relocation of the Ute people and a reshaping of the region’s cultural landscape.
Today, under the stewardship of curators Cecil and Betty Waldron, the museum continues to thrive, offering a window into the past for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re drawn by the tales of the rugged ranchers who tamed the land or the intricate craftsmanship of early settlers, the Rifle Heritage Center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this Colorado community.
