June Head leaves a legacy of research and stories; decades of work culminated in new Heritage Museum in Cortez

Montezuma County historian Dorothy June Head not only documented the history and people of Southwest Colorado she lived it for 93 years.

She died Nov. 18 in Cortez and leaves behind a legacy of historical research and storytelling that stretches from the pioneer days to the present.

Her passion for local history was instrumental in the restart of the Montezuma County Historical Society, the new Montezuma Heritage Museum, and the saving of the Caulkins Building.

Head, who went by her middle name, June, wrote the popular “Looking Back” column for The Journal. The hundreds of columns explained in vivid detail the past events and people that shaped the area.

“She was an excellent researcher and writer. If June put it in an article, you knew it was right. She researched until it was perfect,” said Ann Brown, chairwoman of the Montezuma County Historical Society and longtime friend of Head’s. “She will be greatly missed. June is really irreplaceable. She was here for so many milestones in our community.”

…