About the
Historical Society
In 1956, a group of citizens recommended that a manuscript written by Marion Savage Sabin detailing the founding of Palmer Lake, Monument, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes region, entitled “Palmer Lake, A Historical Narrative,” be published. To accomplish this, they also recommended that a Historical Society be formed to continue the preservation of the area’s history.
The Palmer Lake Historical Society was subsequently founded by Marian McIntyre-McDonough and was incorporated with a full slate of officers and directors.
The Society established a museum, which later became the Lucretia Vaile Museum, and expanded its scope to collecting the history and artifacts from the Palmer Divide area.
The Society publishes histories of Monument, Palmer Lake, and the area surrounding these towns with additional research and historical publications planned.
Historical Society Timeline
1964
The Society opened a museum housed in the present Palmer Lake Police Department offices (originally the AT&SF Section Foreman house).
1981
The Society helped fund construction and moved to the new Lucretia Vaile Library and Museum.
1998
The Society provided a lake fountain to replicate a fountain that existed at the turn of the century.
2001
The Society and the Town of Palmer Lake completed a memorial honoring William (Bill) J. Crawford who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for action during WWII.
2006
The Society commissioned a bronze statue of “Dizzy” a German Shepherd as a gift to the people of Palmer Lake. The statue commemorated the Society’s 50th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the Palmer Lake Star. Dizzy helped build “The Star.”
2008
The Society presented the first Return of the Rocky Mountain Chautauqua Assembly to Palmer Lake.
2009
The Society commissioned a bas-relief panel to commemorate significant historical events and people of the Town of Monument. The panel, along with additional historical artworks, on display in the new Monument Town Hall represent a gift of the Society to the people of Monument and the Palmer Divide area.
The Society began the Annual Colorado Springs Native American Powwow.
2013
Partnered with One Nation Walking Together, a Colorado Springs Native charity, the Society moves the powwow indoors to the Freedom Financial Services EXPO Center (now Mortgage Solutions Financial EXPO Center) in Colorado Springs, ensuring its sustainability.
2014
The Palmer Lake Historical Society was named the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year. This was based on our past years of service to the community and our many events and activities that promote, protect, and preserve local history. The Selection Committee was unanimous in their choice.
2015
The society began annual summer field trips to unique historic sites in the Palmer Divide region such as the Estemere historic home tour, Three Eagles Ranch, and the Monument Tree Farm.
2016
The Society turned 60 on October 18 (founded in 1956), a mighty feat for an all-volunteer organization!
2017
Lucretia Vaile Museum began assessment and evaluation, preservation, storage, and accession of the clothing collection (over 300 items catalogued electronically by 2019).
Published children’s coloring book of local sites and figures.
2018
The Society participated in the IndyGive! non-profit fundraising campaign bringing in $4,234.
2019
PLHS reprinted its flagship publication, Palmer Lake: A Historical Narrative by Marion S. Sabin. The 5th edition includes 75 photographs and illustrations as well as new information including a People Index for all names mentioned in the book.
Lucretia Vaile Museum hosted a Trick or Treat for local youth.
Palmer Lake Town Hall was accepted to Colorado State Register of Historic Properties due to the diligent work of members of the Society and the community.
2020
Development of the Society’s updated website which was released in January 2021
Future
Vaile Museum building and exhibit expansions and new publications are projects under consideration.