Parker History

05/08/2026

Join the Hilltop Social Club at The Hilltop Fair on May 9, 2026 — an open house and community fair at the historic Hilltop Schoolhouse in Parker! Family-friendly activities, local vendors, and a chance to explore a treasured piece of local history. Date & time: May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Location: Hilltop Schoolhouse, 5748 Flintwood Rd. Learn more: https://wix.to/txvikAV

Our friends at the historic Hilltop Schoolhouse are having their annual open house and fair.

02/18/2026

A Parker History free event is happening this Saturday, February 21, 6:30 pm at the Schoolhouse Theater!

Black History Live: African Americans of the West. Step back in time and learn about the life of York, who was the first recorded black explorer, as portrayed by Marvin Jefferson.

York was a man who traveled with Lewis and Clark during their expedition years. He was selected as part of the Corps of Discovery for his large build and frame, but he served as an enslaved black laborer on the voyage.

During his two years on the expedition, he helped navigate the trails and waterways, used fi****ms, interacted with native populations, and helped with expeditions’ national importance. The expedition offered York a short glimpse into freedom, and his experience can help us understand the place of African Americans in the West before the end of slavery.

Please RSVP using the link in the comments. ⤵️

02/15/2026

Black History Live: African Americans of the West. Please join us for this free event on Saturday, February 21, at 6:30 pm at the Schoolhouse Theater.

Step back in time and learn about the life of York, who was the first recorded black explorer, as portrayed by Marvin Jefferson. York was a man who traveled with Lewis and Clark during their expedition years. He was selected as part of the Corps of Discovery for his large build and frame, but he served as an enslaved black laborer on the voyage. During his two years on the expedition, he helped navigate the trails and waterways, used fi****ms, interacted with native populations, and helped with expeditions’ national importance. The expedition offered York a short glimpse into freedom, and his experience can help us understand the place of African Americans in the West before the end of slavery.

Please RSVP using the link in the comments. ⤵️

02/14/2026

Next Saturday! Step into history with “Black History Live: African Americans of the West” — a live portrayal of York, the first recorded Black explorer of the Lewis & Clark expedition, performed by Marvin Jefferson. Join us at The Schoolhouse Theater on February 21 at PM. Tickets are free, but you must register: https://parkerarts.org/event/parker-history-presents-african-americans-of-the-west/

The official website for the Parker Area Historical Society PAHS - Parker Colorado

02/03/2026

Free Program: Parker Then and Now - Saturday, February 7 at 1:00 pm in Parker Library, Event Hall B.

Come join us for this free program by local author, history enthusiast, and philanthropist Dennis Niewoehner. Dennis has long been involved in Parker's public life and in preserving Parker's history. He'll share stories from our history and his recollections from the 1980s when Parker first became an incorporated town.

He'll also be telling us about his book The Cowboy and the Rose, a love story set in beautiful Douglas County. Writing this fiction novel (inspired by a true story) required Dennis to call upon his deep knowledge of Douglas County. As he puts it, "There's something about this land---the buttes, the cottonwoods, the clear mornings---that feeds the soul. When I write about it, I'm not inventing anything. I'm just putting words to what I see and feel every day."

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn about Parker's fascinating journey from a small rural settlement to the vibrant community we know today. Bring your questions about local history and experience Parker's story through the eyes of someone who's witnessed its remarkable transformation.

Please see the RSVP link in the comments. ⤵️

01/21/2026

Discover Parker’s past and present! Join local author Dennis Niewoehner for “Parker Then and Now” — a presentation about the history of Parker and how Douglas County shaped his latest book.

When: February 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Where: Parker Library, Event Hall B (20105 Mainstreet, Parker, CO)

Free to attend, just RSVP: https://wix.to/tTUmsPE

Join us for a presentation by local author and history enthusiast Dennis Niewoehner about the history of Parker and how living in Douglas County inspired his latest book.

01/18/2026

This is the second monument to commemorate the 20-Mile House. The first was built in 1945 by Bels Lytle and was located on the northwest corner of Highway 83 and Mainstreet.

Widening the highway in 1988 necessitated the dismantling, mostly by Boy Scouts, and removal of the monument to its present location.

The second monument is constructed primarily of petrified wood and concrete. The obelisk was designed by Loyd Glasier and Bill Brandt. Bill Born, a stonemason from North Denver, faced the monument with petrified wood. A Boy Scout, Mike Passannante, helped with many of the chores while working on his Eagle badge. It was dedicated at a Parker Days celebration on July 4, 1988. The rhyolite cap was added later in the year.

✨ Do you love Parker's history? Support us by becoming a member! Please check the comments for the link. ⤵️

12/26/2025

Happy Holidays from Parker History! 🎉

12/09/2025

Dear Friends of Parker History,

We're writing to you today with an exciting opportunity to support our mission of preserving and sharing the history of Parker. Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement that inspires people to donate to their favorite local non-profits. Consider making us yours!

Please see the donation link in the comments. 👇

Thank you for your continued support! Together, we can ensure that Parker's rich history is preserved for generations to come.

Slide image shows groups of youths planting trees near a large white barn in Parker, Colorado. Inscribed on slide cover: "4H / Tree Planting / 57." Image courtesy of DCL Archives and Local History, Castle Rock, Colorado.

11/29/2025

As the population of the area was increasing steadily, in 1911 talk of a regular church building began being proposed. By February of 1912, action committees were formed for the building of a church.The trustees for the new church were Dr. Walter L. Heath, Walter M. Lewis, Neil M. Duncan, J. H. Bassell, Edward W. Hoskins, and F. B. Hood.

A site made up of land donations by George Parker and Walter L. Heath was acquired. Work was begun in late February of 1912. In March of that year, Dr. Heath passed away suddenly. The name Ruth Memorial was chosen for the new church in honor of a child of Dr. Heath's who had died at an early age.

The first gathering held in the new church was held on June 14th, 1912. A dedication of the new facility was held May 25th, 1913.

This building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been landmarked by the Town of Parker.

✨ Do you love Parker history? Support us by becoming a member. Please check the comments for the link! ✨