Museum opens Oct. 22 after seven years of planning, fundraising and development

The highly anticipated Montezuma Heritage Museum in Cortez will open to the public during a special ceremony Oct. 22.

Visitors can tour the exhibits of the new museum at 35 S. Chestnut St. from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is no fee for the event. A museum gift shop will be open with local books, clothing and items for sale.

A presentation in front of the building will provide seating, with live music and refreshments. The street will be temporarily closed between Main Street and First Street for the occasion.

Inside, various presenters will explain exhibits, including water expert Les Nunn, and Jude and Addie Schuenemeyer of the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project. Marsha Bankston will portray Lizzie Knight, the first female blacksmith in the area who ran a store and post office.

The museum was created by the Montezuma County Historical Society in cooperation with the county, area towns, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, residents, local organizations and government agencies.

“It has been a…