Columbine’s History

Columbine was founded in 1973 by three Littleton, Colorado, genealogy friends, Geraldine ‘Gerry’ White, Virginia Rothfus and Barbara Brown. It was decided right at the beginning that we would pursue historical knowledge as well as genealogical, and that meetings would be held in the daytime. Our founders’ vision led to an active and productive enterprise that continues to enrich the community today.

Membership grew rapidly as the years passed. Columbine adopted bylaws, received non-profit status, and grew its income with fundraising efforts. Group trips to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City became a regular event for many years. The popular annual membership teas were the holiday social season highlight for a long time (see photo).

December 1993 Social — Group photo from Columbine’s December 1993 Holiday Social celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

An early alliance with the Bemis Public Library in Littleton was formed, and Columbine held its meetings there for its first 22 years. During those years the society contributed thousands of genealogy books and materials to the library, resulting in the first-class research collection we enjoy today. Columbine remains active in genealogy book contributions to Bemis, the Denver Public Library and Englewood Library.

Genealogy education has remained a key objective of the society. Over the years members have enjoyed thousands of instructive programs and workshops presented by a wide range of experts. In 1982 Columbine contracted a group of British lecturers from London to travel to Denver and present the highly successful British Are Coming two-day seminar.

Columbine Member Presentations in 2001-2002 From left Marylee Hagen - Magnificent Norway; Rev. Vern Tokins - Digital Camera Genealogy; Valery Eichler Lair - Hiring a Professional Genealogist — Columbine Member Presentations in 2001-2002
From left Marylee Hagen – Magnificent Norway; Rev. Vern Tomkins – Digital Camera Genealogy;
Valerie Eichler Lair – Hiring a Professional Genealogist

Columbine’s sizable membership allowed the undertaking of monumental local research and publishing projects that resulted in a number of prestigious national awards. Through our membership’s tremendous efforts, genealogy and history research books have been compiled and published in conjunction with the Colorado State Archives, Colorado Historical Society, Arapahoe County, Littleton Cemetery and Littleton area churches and mortuary. Among our many recognitions were the National Genealogical Society prestigious 1988 Award of Merit and a 1985 grant awarded by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).

Our society’s attractive newsletter grew with membership into a national, award-winning publication that continues to inform members on a quarterly basis. It was awarded the National Genealogical Society 1994 First Place Award for appearance and content.

We celebrated our 50th year in 2023, and we continue to work at keeping the society vital. We adopted a strategic plan a few years ago that we continue to work at implementing. We shortened our name to Columbine Genealogy, implemented an online membership system that also gives us a professional look in our communications with members, adopted a sharp new logo, hold our meetings both on Zoom and in person, and we’ve become a lot more tech savvy in general.

We haven’t abandoned our basics: Today the society continues to serve its members’ research needs and promote family research. New members continue to appear at our meetings, seeking to grow their genealogy skills and share in the warm fellowship that has always been a hallmark of Columbine Genealogy.