The Crestone Museum and Welcome Center is located at 240 N. Cottonwood St., in the historic Old Schoolhouse where is had its grand opening on May 20, 2022.
The Old Schoolhouse was built in 1881 and served children in the community until 1949. It was the only school serving the Crestone area from the 1880's to the 1940's, including the mining and lumber camps and the agricultural community along the eastern perimiter of the San Luis Valley.
The Schoolhouse also served as a social, religious, and political gathering place, where it opened its doors, free of charge, to clubs, fraternal orders, box socials, weddings, shivarees, Saturday-night dances, religious services, funnerals, political rallies, and was used as the precinct polling place.
The Old Schoolhouse also served as Town Hall, where the Crestone Town Council and schoolboard held their monthly meetings.
The social highlight of the year, an elabortate Christmas program, took place at the Schoolhouse and allowed all students an opportunity to perform.
It is the only building in Crestone on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hours/Admission:
Memorial Day Weekend - mid-October
Friday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
* Free admission - Donations welcome *
The museum is currently looking for volunteers.
If you are interested in applying to volunteer, please contact the museum director:
Jim McCalpin: mccalpin@geohaz.com