In this show I traveled a short way on interstate 25 North from Colorado Springs, but a long way back in time to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry on North Gate Boulevard in Colorado Springs. In 1970, the Museum of the West was incorporated as a private non-profit with a mission to preserve and interpret the rich mining history of Colorado and the American West. Over 4,000 artifacts are on display at the 27-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit site; which includes a ten-stamp ore mill, a multi-purpose center with exhibits, a theater and a 5,000-volume research library. The entire exhibit complex is an exciting and exceptional tool for learning about Colorado history, mining and industrial technology, geology, and the environment. Their brochure reads “The Museum that works”. I wasn’t sure what that meant but I soon learned. The Museum also has two living history reenactors, Nugget and Chism, they are donkeys being loving cared for by the dedicated volunteer staff. Question - What was a prospector without his/her trusted Burro, answer - a poor sole with a really bad back.
https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/western-museum-of-mining-and-industry/
https://www.facebook.com/MiningMuseum/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Museum_of_Mining_%26_Industry