Welcome to the Aspen Historical Society's Spirit of Aspen E-Exhibit
Exploring the Spirit

The spirit of discovery and the promise of wealth lured prospectors and speculators over high mountain passes. The entrepreneurial spirit brought railroads, industrial mining and a robust economy. The agrarian spirit irrigated hay meadows, and raised crops and animal stock. The utopian spirit spawned culture, art and ideology. The spirit of athleticism transformed mountains into playgrounds and created a world-class resort.

The spirit of Aspen is not right or wrong, good or bad. It defines the people and the times through life, energy and community values. In each room, you will find exhibits that focus on different topics or spirits—the land, people, culture, athleticism, entrepreneurialism. Join us in our discovery of what makes Aspen a unique place to live and visit, and tell us what you think the "Spirit of Aspen" is all about.

Spirit of the Land—Gallery 101

Resilient Spirits—Gallery 202

Spirit of the People—Gallery 102

Spirit of Community / John Denver—Gallery 205

Exploring the Spirit Hall

The People’s Gallery—Gallery 203

High Spirits—Gallery 201


This on-line version of the Spirit of Aspen Exhibit is closely representative of the actual exhibit which closed in April of 2006.

The Wheeler/Stallard Museum is currently presenting two exhibits, Aspen Under Glass: Early Photography in Aspen 1890 – 1920, featuring equipment and actual examples of photography dating from the days of glass negatives and the ever-popular Corsets, Hatpins, and Petticoats: A Journey into the Finery of Victorian Elegance exhibit on some of the detailed “lifestyle” aspects of Victorian living. Location: 620 West Bleeker Street, Aspen. Time: Tues. – Sat. | 1 – 5pm. Fee: $6 adults | $5 seniors (admission fee also includes the Holden/Marolt Museum) Children under 12 FREE.


Welcome | Spirit of the Land | Spirit of the People | Exploring the Spirit | High Spirits | Resilient Spirits | Spirit of Community | The People's Gallery