Reminiscence is a story of our not-so-distant past. It is a story of Colorado, of the people who settled here in prospect for riches and a mining boom that drastically shaped the social and economic landscape of the state. It speaks of a time that was fast and furious, and most of its mark faded back into the landscape almost as quickly as it rose out of it. A reminder of what it took to carve out an existence in these beautiful, but hard and deadly mountains.

This series builds a bridge between past and present, showcasing the structures and artifacts that remain in the landscape from these early settlements in our Centennial State. The exhibition at the Molly Brown House featured contemporary images displayed alongside historic images from the MB archives that provide a window into life during Colorado’s mining heyday. The photographic artifacts feature boomtowns, modest settlements, and the veins that carried the lifeblood of the economy—railroads that cut through the rugged terrain.

Today, what remains are fragments; jagged, weathered structures and glimmering rail lines that punctuate the landscape. They stand as testaments to both the industry’s influence and abandonment that followed as resources dried up. These images capture a haunting beauty, evoking the tension between human endeavor and nature’s resilience.

Reminiscence is also a memory and a statement on our responsibility to protect Colorado’s iconic wilderness, history, and dignity. By acknowledging the past, we can shape a better future — one where our state’s natural and cultural heritages are preserved. One on which future generations can also reminisce.