You’re invited to step into the stories of those who came before us at a new exhibit opening this week at the Parker Water and Sanitation District (PWSD) headquarters.
Titled “Thriving Through Time: Adaptation on the Palmer Divide,” the exhibit is the largest public display of Douglas County artifacts to date. It features a rich collection of archaeological finds, historical reproductions and engaging elements that trace the region’s human journey—from mammoth hunters to early settlers to gold rush dreamers.
The community is invited to a grand opening celebration Friday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. at the PWSD headquarters, located at 13939 Ancestry Drive, Parker, CO. The event will include opportunities to learn more about the people and partnerships that made the exhibit possible. Please RSVP to help us plan for light refreshments.
“This exhibit is more than a collection of artifacts: it’s a bridge between generations,” said Douglas County Commissioner George Teal. “It honors the resilience of those who shaped this land and invites us to reflect on how we continue to adapt and grow as a community.”
Highlights of the exhibit include:
- Mammoth remains and early hunting tools from the Palmer Divide
- A converted oil wagon that tells the story of agricultural innovation
- Artifacts from the gold rush era and early mining communities
- A call to action to protect local archaeological sites from vandalism
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular PWSD business hours. This project is a collaboration between the Douglas County History Repository, Parker Water and Sanitation District, Douglas County Libraries and several tribal and community stakeholders. It reflects our shared commitment to honoring the past while inspiring future generations.
You can learn more on the exhibit’s webpage, and you can explore more artifacts online by visiting the Douglas County Historic Preservation Virtual Museum.