Power of Place

Exploring the History and Culture of Southwest Colorado

Join us for a deeper dive into some of the topics in the "Power of Place: Colorado 150 Southwest" commemorative magazine.

Have you read the magazine and just want to know more? That’s what many readers are saying and the Durango Public Library is prepared to give you that chance. The longtime local authors would love to tell you more about their article topics, so please join us to explore more about Southwest Colorado’s history and heritages. A great opportunity for those who have lived here for a long time to learn something new about this wonderful region we call home as well as a chance to get grounded for those who’ve barely arrived.

If you haven’t seen the Power of Place magazine yet, written by local authors of this region, you can pick up a copy of the free magazine at the Durango Public Library or the Animas Museum. You can also download a digital copy at www.colorado150southwest.org.

Our panelsts for the event include:

1.) Charles DiFerdinando, author of the Power of Place article “From Trails to Towns”, Southwest Colorado Immigration. Charles is a 5th generation Durango native, descended from Italian and Scottish immigrants.

2.) Johnny Valdez, author of “A Different Perspective” The Brunot Agreement. Johnny is a Native historian, Southern Ute Indian tribe descendant and the tribe’s former Executive Officer.

3.) Jeff Johnson, author of “Full Steam Ahead”, Railroad Lore. Jeff is VP/General Manager of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

4.) Peggy Montaño, author of “Hispano and Basque Sheepherders” Traditional Livestock Grazing. Peggy lives in Durango and together with a large multi-generational family, shares many decades of family history in southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico.

5.) Andrew Gulliford, author of “Shared Spaces” Southwest Colorado Public Lands. Andrew is a professor of history and environmental studies at Fort Lewis College and the author of many award-winning books and articles.

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