Recap: Women’s History Month: The Legacy of Anne Evans Walking Tour
DAF put on a very special Women’s History Month walking tour highlighting the legacy and influence of Anne Evans in Denver. Esteemed DAF partners Jillian Allison, Director of the Center for Colorado Women’s History, and Dennis Humphries, AIA, Principal Architect at Ratio Design, guided this one-of-a-kind tour.
About the tour: Anne Evans (1871-1941) was said to be the Patron Saint of Colorado artists. Her legacy can be seen throughout the Golden Triangle, where she lived and worked, influencing the development of the Denver Public Library, Civic Center Park and the Denver Art Museum. The tour began at the McNichols Civic Center Building, where her love of art and learning came together. Stories of the former Carnegie Library’s rich history, as well as information on the building’s present and future, were shared. The tour ended at her home, the Center for Colorado Women’s History in the historic Byers-Evans House.
About the buildings: The Center for Colorado Women’s History has been the home to inspiring women, including Anne Evans, since 1883. The historic home was built for Elizabeth and William Byers before becoming the home of three generations of the Evans family for 92 years. The home went through many renovations and expansions before it was donated to History Colorado and restored to its World War I era decor using almost entirely original artifacts. Operating as the Center for Colorado Women’s History since 2018, the home offers a snapshot of the lives of the women who lived and worked in this household.
In 1909, the cornerstone of the McNichols Civic Center Building was laid. It set the foundation for the then Carnegie Library that would become a center of learning in Civic Center Park. That tradition continues as Denver Arts & Venues re-opened the building in 2012 as a contemporary hub for arts and culture for the people of Denver. This stunning Greek Revival building with its classic Corinthian columns and iconic colonnade across its front offers new experiences in a classic space.
About the tour guides: Jillian Allison, Director of the Center for Colorado Women’s History, joined History Colorado in 2014 and has served as the Director of the Center for Colorado Women’s History since its launch in 2018. In addition to her work at the center, located in the historic Byers-Evans House, Jillian also collaborates with the Community Museums of History Colorado located throughout the state, including the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin in Leadville.
Dennis Humphries, AIA, Principal at Ratio Design, believes a public building must represent a community, not simply exist within it. He’s committed to the integrity of each project, including historically accurate materials and details. Throughout his career, Dennis has strived to make architecture accessible. He has served in civic leadership roles with the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission, Historic Denver, Civic Center Conservancy and the State Historical Fund.
