Regional History and Diversity

Archives & Special Collections collects materials related to the history of the region and materials that highlight diversity ethnicity, and gender identity in the Northern Colorado plains. Archives & Special Collections collects and makes accessible the publications, records, papers, artifacts, and stories of the individuals, families, and organizations representing the diverse population of the Northern Colorado plains in order to preserve their legacy.   

Select Regional History and Diversity Collections 

Thomas Family Papers:  Calvin and Sophia Thomas arrived in Greeley in 1870 as early settlers to the area and remained active members of the community throughout their life. They had five children: John Jacob, who died in childhood; Helen May; Myra Laura; Thurza Theda; and Dan Boon Lee. This collection contains diaries, ledgers, scrapbooks, yearbooks, correspondence, clippings, artwork, and photography documenting the life of various members of the Thomas family.   
Finding Aid

O.T. Jackson Papers (Dearfield): Oliver Toussaint Jackson was born on April 6, 1862 in Oxford, Ohio to enslaved parents Hezekiah and Caroline Jackson. After receiving an education in Ohio, O.T. Jackson was inspired to move to the West and settle a farm along with thousands of African Americans who sought to escape segregation and Jim Crow laws. By 1909, Jackson created a Negro Townsite and Land Company which helped establish Dearfield as a new colony near Greeley. Dr. Westbrook, a good friend of Jackson, stated that the colony "will be very dear to us," thus giving Dearfield its name.

Although Dearfield saw its decline in the 1940s, Jackson is revered for his time building up a community to give back to his people. Efforts to maintain Dearfield and restore this historic site have been upheld by the Black American West Museum, University of Northern Colorado, and City of Greeley Museums. This collection consists of correspondence to and from O.T. Jackson, bank statements, loan documents, advertising posters and recruitment materials, maps, and information about Jackson's town, Dearfield, Colorado. Materials are dated between 1914-1942, with the majority found within the 1930s.
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