Behind-the-scenes tours of The Fort are the perfect socially-distanced activity for spring! With a guided tour from Tesoro Cultural Center, you can learn about the history of the original Bent’s Old Fort, which operated from 1833-1849 in present-day La Junta, Colo., and was known as the Mud Castle of the Plains.
How did this historic building influence the construction of its replica in Morrison, Colo., and how did The Fort come to be listed on the National Register of … Read the entire post >
Harvey Pratt, an American forensic artist best known for contributing to many high-profile criminal cases including the World Trade Center bombings of 1993, is also a nationally-acclaimed, award-winning American Indian artist and member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.
(Photo: The Oklahoman)
Pratt currently works for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation as a forensic specialist and is famous for developing the soft tissue post mortem drawing method, which repairs trauma to the victim through digital alterations or applying paint … Read the entire post >
This summer, The Fort will open its gates to the public as the Tesoro Cultural Center expands its educational programming and cultural events with their new Living History Experience. Using our historic adobe structure as its primary teaching tool, Tesoro will introduce 20 weekends of historic immersion and fun for the whole family. Join us for shopping, art, music, historic demonstrations and more.
Visitors will learn about Bent’s Old Fort and the cultural diversity that inspired the Arnold family to … Read the entire post >
We had another great year hosting Tesoro’s 1830s Rendezvous and Spanish Art Market on the grounds of The Fort. Our guests were accompanied by family, friends, mountain men, artists, dancers and beautiful weather. It was an unforgettable and “waughsome” celebration!
The event was a fun day full of activities for the whole family. Guests were able to experience demonstrations from mountain men and women, trappers and traders. Our mountain men and women paired up with guests to teach them a … Read the entire post >
It’s back to school time in Colorado, and Tesoro Cultural Center is excited to welcome visitors for a variety of educational programs. Tesoro is dedicated to offering public education outreach in an effort to preserve Colorado’s rich history and cultural heritage of the 19th-21st century.
Kiowa Curriculum
The Kiowa Curriculum is an oral history video, “The Kiowa People: In Their Own Words,” and includes a companion activity packet. The program features a Kiowa tribal member, John Emhoolah, … Read the entire post >
As settlers moved west in the 19th century, forts were established for a variety of reasons. Some were built on the basis of anticipated use for protection, others as a way to protect commerce along the trails. Contrary to popular belief, however, most American west forts weren’t built to protect the settlers from Indians. They were instead built as a way to maintain peace across tribes, as well as between American Indians and emigrants.
While some of the original … Read the entire post >
Pahponee, a self-taught clay artist and descendant of the Kickapoo and Potawatomi Nations, will host “Native American Pottery Ideology,” a free hour-long lecture at the Goodson Recreation Center (6315 S. University Boulevard) on Monday, May 9, from 3-4 p.m. The award-winning potter is an avid supporter of Morrison, Colo.’s Tesoro Cultural Center, and presents her work at the nonprofit’s annual Indian Market & Powwow; the finished pieces displayed at “Native American Pottery Ideology” will be exhibited for sale at … Read the entire post >
On May 14 and 15, Tesoro Cultural Center will host its sixteenth annual Indian Market and Powwow. Held on the grounds of The Fort Restaurant, near Morrison, just off 285 and Highway 8, the weekend-long celebration includes powwow performances and competitions, as well as Colorado’s largest authentic American Indian juried art show, featuring nationally acclaimed artists.
At 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, festivities begin with the customary Gourd Dance. Following the dance at 11 a.m.—and new to the event … Read the entire post >
Tesoro Cultural Center will host its 16th annual Indian Market & Powwow on Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, on the grounds of The Fort Restaurant. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and entrance fees – $5 for adults, $3 for students with valid IDs, and free admission for children under 12 and seniors 65 years and older – benefit Tesoro’s ongoing educational programs.
Tesoro Cultural Center’s Indian Market & Powwow is a yearly … Read the entire post >
