Archives & Collections
Photograph Archives
Many original photographs of early Carbondale and its residents are catalogued and preserved in our Archives. MSHS also maintains a large collection of original newspaper photographs dating from the 1970s.Document Archives
Over one-hundred original handwritten ledgers and journals, dating from the 1880s, are available for research in our library. Users can follow the purchases, loans, mortgages and everyday transactions of Carbondale’s early families. Certain fees apply.The Thompson Family Albums
These albums include a huge collection of photographs from the albums of Hattie Thompson Holland and her husband, Oscar Holland, two of Carbondale's earliest pioneers. Watch this page as we add more images. Reprints of many of the collection's photographs may be purchased from the Mt. Sopris Historical Society.Artifacts & Objects
Our three museums house intriguing collections of Carbondale artifacts, including the magnificent Thompson House Collection of objects original to the home itself. Other artifacts of interest include: a bear fur coat, 19th-century dolls, vintage clothing, mining tools and artifacts and cowboy memorabilia.Research Library
A facility for researchers, genealogists and students, the small library at the Log Cabin Museum contains a collection of books, many of them out of print, about the history of Carbondale and the surrounding area.Preservation
The cataloguing and preservation of our photograph archives and original documents is ongoing at MSHS and will eventually be available online. The Thompson House Museum has been designated as a National Historic Registry Landmark. This recognition is awarded to properties that meet a strict set of guidelines for historical importance and preservation. In addition, MSHS supports the Town of Carbondale’s Historic Preservation Commission in its efforts to maintain our local historic buildings and their character.