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Barney Ford Museum

BarneyFordMuseum_20070616-02_KingdomDays

Schedule

June 1- September 4: Tuesday - Sunday 10am-3pm

September 6 - April 30 - Tuesday-Sunday 10am-3pm

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Where to go

111 East Washington Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424

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Where to park

There are a few designated museum parking spaces. Otherwise there is street and town lot parking; please visit the Breck park website for more information on current parking locations and fees. 

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What guests say

"We were looking for something to do for about 40 minutes prior to picking up our child from ski school. So glad we took 30 minutes to visit this museum/house. Barney Ford was an interesting man who would not give up on his dreams. A great example of a person who overcame obstacles and became successful. A truly inspiring story. Enjoyed touring the first floor of his home and seeing all of the period antiques. Definitely worth a visit."

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Did you know?

Both Barney and Julia each had one white parent and one African-American parent although Julia was born into freedom. 

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Accolades

In 2018 Barney Ford was inducted into the Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame - check out the video about this special honor. 

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In 2021 Rocky Mountain PBS premiered Colorado Experience: Mr. Barney Ford, an hour documentary about Ford's life and legacy. Learn more about the artist and process of the lovely artwork used in the documentary.

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In 2022 Governor Jarod Polis, on behalf of the State of Colorado, signed a proclamation celebrating Barney Ford's legacy and pioneering efforts for civil rights during his lifetime. Colorado kicked off Black History Month with Barney Ford Day on February 1st.

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Take the Barney Ford Museum Virtual Tour and experience this important space and hear Ford’s powerful story.

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About the museum

Barney Ford escaped from slavery at the age of 26 and made his way to Chicago where he started the first of many businesses, leadership roles and personal adventures. The Pikes Peak Gold Rush lured Ford to Colorado in 1860. After a failed effort at mining, he experienced his first Breckenridge winter when his boardinghouse operation was forced to close after a major snowstorm. Ford returned to Denver to run a barbershop and lunch counter in a building that was ultimately destroyed in the great Denver fire of 1863 and rebuilt just four months later.

 

After many successful and failed business ventures in Denver and Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ford eventually returned to Breckenridge to open a restaurant. He built a stately Victorian house - one of the nicest in Breckenridge at the time - above the restaurant, where he lived for nearly a decade. In addition to his business accolades, Barney Ford is recognized for his pioneering role in civil rights. As a young adult, he supported the Underground Railroad and went on to advocate for universal suffrage on the Colorado State Constitution. 

 

Throughout his adult life, Ford endured fires, racism and financial ruin, but fought through adversity time and time again. Today, the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance (BHA) operates the Barney Ford Museum to share Ford’s story and inspire visitors with his legacy.

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What to expect

This museum contains information about Ford and the preservation of his home. You may enjoy a self-guided experience through the museum with plenty to read and see. Or you may request a guided tour from the docent. And, we always encourage questions! Plan to spend 30-40 minutes in this museum. Click here for more FAQs.

The museum is FREE to visit with a $5 suggested donation.

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Best for

History lovers and those interested in architecture and/or civil rights. 

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dates, times, and prices subject to change without notice; all activities weather dependent

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