DENVER, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era of lightning-fast technology and forward-thinking mindsets, Colorado pauses this May to celebrate its rich heritage in celebration of National Preservation Month. From the opening of the new History Colorado Center to American Indian festivals, mine tours to abundant historic districts, Colorado honors its past with great fanfare. Below is a sampling of activities, museums and historic areas that visitors can discover and enjoy this May throughout the state.  To view the full press release, visit http://ow.ly/auFSa.

Archaeological and Historical Activities

• A Hands On Colorado (May 5-6) playground geared for children of all ages will be hosted at the new History Colorado Center (opens April 28), which will revolutionize the way we think about history. www.AHPM-Colorado.org, www.HistoryColorado.org
• The 12th Annual Indian Arts and Culture Festival (May 26 – June 3) in Cortez features events starting in Mesa Verde National Park. www.MesaVerdeCountry.com
• The Historic Colorado Chautauqua Association. The Colorado Chautauqua Association (CCA) will host four distinct tours of their National Historic Landmark campus in partnership with Boulder Walking Tours. www.Chautauqua.com  www.BoulderWalkingTours.com
• Trolley Tours in Castle Rock (May 19) reveal the historic sites within the town limits and their backgrounds during this interactive tour. www.CastleRockMuseum.org
• 8th Annual 1890's Achoria Leland Mine Tour (May 26) will showcase the 1890 mining operations on Gold Hill in Victor, Colo. www.VictorColorado.com
• Bent on Birding Activities (mid-May) in Bent County includes a petroglyph tour, least tern and piping plover viewing, a dinosaur tracks tour and more.
  www.Wildlife.state.co.us
• Hotel de Paris Museum (May 25) will host a free public lecture at this National Trust Historic Site in Georgetown by Archaeologist Thomas Witt. www.HotelDeParisMuseum.org

Historical Museums and Centers

• Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in Ignacio offers a visually captivating understanding of the Southern Ute Tribe's past, present and hopes for the future. www.SUCCM.org
• The Pioneer Museum in Gunnison was established in 1964, highlights include Gunnison's first post office (1876), rural schoolhouses and more.
  www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com/Activity/Pioneer-Museum
• Trinidad History Museum offers both guided and self-guided tours of Baca House and Bloom Mansion Grounds starting May 1 through September 30.
  www.HistoryColorado.org/Museums/Trinidad-History-Museum-0

Historic Districts and Areas

• Historic Ranch Life. The Just Ranch and Rowley Homestead sites at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby depict the lives of the late 1800s Rocky Mountain ranchers. www.YMCARockies.org
• Breckenridge National Historic District Walking Tour. Step back in time with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance's Historic Walking Tour of downtown Breckenridge.  www.BreckHeritage.com
• Leadville's Rich History comprises 70 square blocks included in the National Historic Landmark District of Victorian architecture and more. www.VisitLeadvilleCo.com
• Mesa Verde Country® is the archaeological center of America, where visitors can explore two national scenic byways, one national forest and more. 
  www.MesaVerdeCountry.com
• Cripple Creek Historic District. The rural ranching community of Cripple Creek was transformed into a renowned gold camp after a cowboy discovered gold in 1891. www.VisitCrippleCreek.com
• Boggsville National Historic District gives visitors a close-up look at Old West pioneer life. www.ExploreSoutheastColorado.com/Boggsville.htm
• Downtown Denver Historic District encompasses 43 architecturally and historically significant buildings. www.Denver.org

Contact:       Carly Grimes / 720-289-9366 / cgrimes@mmgyglobal.com

SOURCE Colorado Tourism Office