Founded in 1859 after John S. Gregory’s discovery of gold, Central City is one of the oldest towns in Colorado, on the National Register of Historic Places, and boasts over 300 historic buildings. With a current population of just over 500 people, access to Central City’s story lies in the residents and the buildings.

This summer, Colorado State University (CSU) intern Katey Lam using a 3-D camera to capture nine historic buildings in Central City to create virtual tours for the public, which will be housed in CSU’s Architectural Virtual Library. Embedded in these tours are stories, historical references, architectural details, newspaper articles, and video interviews with residents to enhance the experience. Educational materials for ages eight and up will also be developed as part of the internship.

CSU’s Architectural Virtual Library (AVL) is directed by Dr. Maria Delgado, Assistant Professor of Design and Merchandising at the university. The AVL’s mission is to educate and promote local architectural history. CSU is partnering with Jamie Boyle, Historic Preservation Officer and Special Project Manager for Central City, and Jennifer Cook, Gilpin County CSU Extension Director, for this internship project.

Katey Lam, an undergraduate student at CSU and CSU-AVL Intern, scanned Central City Opera House, Teller House, Washington Hall, Coeur d’Alene Mine, Thomas House, Masonic Hall/Old Weekly Register Call/Ermel’s Emporium Building, Gilpin History Museum, Gilpin County Courthouse, and St. James United Methodist Church. The goal of this project is to provide increased access for learners of all ages, to the interiors and histories of these incredible buildings.

Here is the link to the CSU AVL Site: https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/ dm/ programs- and- degrees/ galleries-libraries-and-laboratories/ architectural-virtual-library/

Want to learn more? Join us on Thursday, August 11, at 5 p.m. at the Gilpin County Recreation Center (250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk) to learn more about CSU’s Internship project on historic Central City buildings. Come take a virtual tour to explore unseen interiors of historic buildings and experience history in a new way. Discover free educational materials and watch the Matterport 360-degree camera demonstration. This is a great experience for ages eight and up.