WESTMINSTER —For 48 years, Linda Cherrington has worked to preserve history through the Westminster Historical Society.
Cherrington, known as “the history lady” to schoolchildren, has played a significant role in the society’s growth. She served as president for 27 years, and currently serves as vice president.
When the society was formed in 1962, the city of Westminster didn’t have much involvement, but by the 1990s, the city was dedicated to helping the society thrive.
“There was a time when no one paid that much attention to history,” Cherrington said, “but now they are very well aware of our history and the impact of Westminster’s history on the community.”
Bob Briggs has lived in Westminster since 1943 and also wants to preserve the historic details of the city. For instance, many streets are named for prominent citizens.
“We have Bradburn Boulevard, which was named for a young man, Donald Bradburn, who was the first person killed in World War I from Westminster,” Briggs said. “Recognizing him and other people is important.”
The society is run largely in part with funds from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. In 2015, funds totalling $41,751.35 were determined by the Adams County Cultural Council and the Jefferson County Cultural Center. The society also receives additional funding from local donors and membership fees.
A majority of these funds do not have to be used for building costs and rent. Back when the society first started, organizers struggled to find a space to use. But when the historic Bowles House Museum at 3924 W. 72nd Ave. was scheduled to be burned down, a group of local children had an idea.
“Some kids petitioned and saved the house,” said Gary Shea, a trustee on the society’s board. “The city graciously lets us use it for $1 a year for some offices.”
Soon enough, the society outgrew that space and needed to look for additional properties, though the Bowles House Museum is still open to the public. The second building they acquired was an old ambulance building, which they also leased for $1 per year. The society’s offices are currently housed there, at 4850 W. 76th Ave.
These spaces were great for archiving information and housing offices, but the group kept receiving donations from citizens, which required more space
. In 2014, they opened the Westminster History Center at 7200 Lowell Blvd.
“We have classroom space there and we can bring in area school kids and give them history lessons,” Shea said. “They can also access all of our archives with the computers there.”
Being able to teach the public about the history of Westminster in a dedicated space is what the society has been aiming for.
Briggs has been heavily involved in the society’s efforts since his first membership payment. He headed a project that began 10 years ago to write a history book, which was published in 2011.
“Every elementary school in Westminster has a copy of it,” Briggs said. “It’s designed to allow them to teach the history of Westminster.”
As a lifelong resident of Westminster, Shea gets excited with each donation that’s brought in.
“I don’t know every aspect of the history, and I grew up here,” Shea said. “It’s great to keep learning about the city.”
And though Shea loves learning about Westminster, he’s more satisfied knowing that current generations and future generations will be able to learn about the city’s past.
“A city can grow, but if you don’t know and understand your history, than it’s really hard to understand where you’re at now and where you’re going,” Shea said. “The society preserves all these things that you can point to and say this is what caused this area to develop.”
Catherine Elsby: celsby@denverpost.com
Westminster history center
Where: 7200 Lowell Blvd., Westminster
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
Info: 303 428-3993
