More than Meets the Eye
Currently, the National Mining Museum houses approximately 50,000 items that encompass 2D art, mining tools and equipment, rocks and minerals, and archives and photographs.
We have approximately 15 exhibits that range from historic Leadville mining to mining exploration in space. Highlights include the Matchless Mine Exhibit, the World of Molybdenum Exhibit, and Minerals A-Z.
We are available to take research requests. Please fill out the form below to send an inquiry.
Most of the collections we hold are donated by the public. In order for our collections to grow and for us to continue to preserve the past to educate the future, we rely on donations from people just like you. Please consider donating a collection item today!
Our 2D art includes both works of art on paper and canvas. Some are matted, some are framed. One of our best is currently on display in the Gold Room. Seen in this photograph to the left, “The Prospector” by Gerard Curtis Delano is definitely a sight not to miss.
Tools and equipment can tell us a lot about the hardships and triumphs of our past as well as where technology can go in the future. From carbide lamps to our Matchless Mine Historic Site, tools and equipment help us understand the story of mining, including the parts that haven’t been written yet.
The geology collection is composed of rocks, minerals, and gemstones. This includes large specimens like our 2,155 pound Galina specimen and approximately 1,000 pound Amethyst specimen, and extensive collection of native copper pieces like our Pre-Cambrian piece and our “Copperosaurus” dinosaur-shaped piece.
Archives, such as maps, blueprints, periodicals, books, and more help our team research and provide answers to hard questions asked at the Museum. From information about our own building to pictures of incredible points in history, the Museum has much to offer.
Please make your Research Request as complete as possible. Any information is extremely helpful. Please note that we do not have many Leadville-specific records, so if you are looking for primary documents, we would recommend the Lake County Library or the Leadville Courthouse. Before we can complete a research request, the museum charges a non-refundable $30 fee. This fee covers the first 1.5 hours of research. We will invoice any additional hours after the first. If you would like to ask how long something will take before submitting the request, please call the Curatorial Department directly at 719-427-2607. The Curatorial Department strives to answer all questions within three business days. If it takes longer, we appreciate your patience, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you would like to know how much your Research Request will cost, please fill out this form. Please make your Research Request as complete as possible. Any information is extremely helpful. The Curatorial Department strives to answer all questions within three business days. If it takes longer, we appreciate your patience, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Please make sure your Donation Request is as complete as you can make it. We cannot guarantee your item will be accepted by the Collections and Education Committee or that it will be on display. The Curatorial Department strives to answer all questions within three business days. If it takes longer, we appreciate your patience, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We educate the public about mining and its people, promote understanding about its role in the development of our modern society, and inspire curiosity about the future of mining and mining practices. Help us achieve our goals to enlighten the world about how mining impacts our lives.
