American Legends at the Top of the World

Jim Whittaker's clothes and gear will be the center of attention at this upcoming celebration in New York City. Of course, the real Jim will probably have something to say as well.

Undressing a Legend

It took three young men to get one "Big Jim" out of his glass home in the museum.

The headline says it all. On June 26, we undressed Jim Whittaker--right in front of museum visitors. Well, it was really just a mannequin, so we didn't learn much about Jim. But, his clothing and gear are being sent to New York City and The Explorers Club to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his historic first American ascent of Mt. Everest.

The clothes will return soon, and we'll be able to dress the legend once again.




Taking the pants off a legend. Our apologies, Jim.

All New Summer Exhibits

The summer is upon us, and we have all new exhibits at the museum! As previously mentioned, the Views of the Himalaya photography exhibit is up in the halls of the American Mountaineering Center. Many of the images from famed photographers like Galen Rowell and Beth Wald are for sale, with the proceeds benefiting the dZi Foundation, an organization that aids in the revitilization of small villages in Nepal.




Our Mountains Gifts exhibit has been hung, and the lithographs and engravings look exceptional. We have expanded the show to include such things as a traditional Nepali robe worn during the Mani Rimdu festival. Come check it out.




Finally, through the generosity of Jerry Gallwas, we are able to show artifacts and images from the first ascent of Half Dome in 1957, as well as climbing equipment from famed climber and blacksmith John Salathe. Come see these exhibits just outside the doors of the museum.

Upcoming Events - June

The summer brings great things to the museum. But first, we have to get through a snowy spring season.

Next week we will host Coleman Outdoors as they promote the 50 States in 50 Days Adventure of their sponsored athlete, Mike Haugen.

50 States in 50 Days Adventure

What: Adventure Launch. Mike Haugen -- in an effort to bring awareness to the problems of childhood obesity, and to encourage kids to get outdoors -- will attempt to reach the highest point in every state, in 50 days. He'll begin with Alaska's Mount McKinley (Denali) in June.

When: Tuesday, May 20, 10 a.m.

Where: At the Museum


We have partnered with The Alpine Rescue Team to present a series on backcountry safety. The first in the series begins next week.

Keep Your Good Days From Going Bad

What: The basics of outdoor survival in the mountains of Colorado

When: May 22, 7 p.m.

Where: At the American Mountaineering Center


Which brings us to June, when two new exhibits will be featured at the museum.

June 2 - August 2
Views of the Himalaya - A photography exhibit brought to us by Mountain to Mountain, and benefiting the dZi Foundation to revitalize villages in Nepal.

June 11 - December 27
Mountain Gifts - On display will be items from the deep and diverse collections of the American Alpine Club and Colorado Mountain Club. They include climbing equipment from the early-1900s, Sherpa cultural garments, and a selection of lithographs, maps, engravings, and wood block prints from Europe and Asia.

As always, see our website for more information.

Touched by Angels

In conjunction with its annual meeting, volunteer conservators from The American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (known as Angels) spent the day working with the collections at the American Alpine Club Library and American Mountaineering Museum.

The purpose of the project is to preserve rare books and archival documents, such as the Colorado Peak Registers. These collections are used by scholars and enthusiasts to explore and protect mountain environments. The project was organized by Beth Heller, Preservation Librarian for the American Alpine Club.

Says Heller, “This project allows conservators to join conservationists in a mission to protect fragile resources – whether they are in the library or on a mountain top. Conservators from across the United States will be volunteering their highly specialized skills, and the host sites are grateful for this opportunity.”

Jonathan Waterman: Arctic Warming

April 24, 2008

7 p.m.

Imagine the awe-inspiring Arctic National Wildlife Refuge turning balmy, losing wildlife, and bristling with oil derricks. In 2006, the National Geographic sent Jon Waterman north to investigate, along with several college students and the legendary field biologist, George Schaller (his 1956 study created the original wildlife range). Last summer, while conferring with Alaskan scientists studying climate change and oil development, the expedition discovered melting permafrost, unnatural predation of nesting birds, brushed-over tundra, disappearing glaciers, and dying forests.

Jon is a renowned adventurer and author of nine books: his Where Mountains Are Nameless: Passion and Politics in the Arctic Refuge, won the 2006 Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award.

The hour-long "Arctic Warming" story-presentation explains global warming with objectivity and scientific credibility, as well as sharing Jon's soul-stirring journey: trekking, rafting, and solo kayaking through the Arctic Refuge. He meets bears, Inupiat hunters, and caribou–shown with artful photography and a preview of his film that premiered on national TV in September 2007.

Finally, with great hope for the region's salvation, he illuminates the ongoing political controversy and how interested audience members can take action to neutralize global warming and Arctic oil drilling.

Virtual Tour

Thanks to our friend Shawn Steigner and his company Photo Surveyor, we are now able to offer a virtual tour of the museum.

See the virtual tour here.