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2025 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium - " Histories: Beyond the Written Word" 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) invites scholars, historians, researchers, and history enthusiasts to submit proposals for the 2025 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium in the theme of "Histories Beyond the Written Word." This year's symposium will explore the rich tapestry of history told through non-traditional sources, shedding light on the diverse and dynamic ways we can understand our past.

We seek proposals that explore history through oral histories, traditions, art, photographs, movies, architecture, geography, and other nontraditional materials. Our goal is to celebrate and highlight the invaluable contributions of these sources to preserving and interpreting history. 

As part of the 2025 symposium, PPLD Regional History & Genealogy staff are exploring the experiences of Jim Bates, a wartime photographer and Palmer High School graduate who worked for the Alexander Film Company. Through the lens of his camera, we will delve into Bates' unique perspective, focusing on his artistic choices and techniques. By critiquing his work, we will also gain insight into what his experiences must have been like as a filmmaker at war. This project is just one example of the many types of non-textual submissions we are seeking. 

Submissions could include a short film, a presentation with paper, or a PowerPoint presentation to be presented online (20 minutes, 10 minutes for students). 

Compensation payment will be $500 for selected participants, $150 for students.  Selected submissions will be included in PPLD’s first annual online journal entitled, “Online Journal of Pikes Peak Regional History.” 

Send proposals by Sat., Jan. 11, 2025. 

By email: jjarrell@ppld.org

By mail: Pikes Peak Library District 
P.O. Box 1579
Colorado Springs, CO 80901 

Proposal Guidelines

Please include all six of these requirements in your submission. 

Theme: Beyond the Written Word 

1. TITLE (5 – 15 words):
   A descriptive title for your proposed presentation/film.
2. SUMMARY (500 – 1,000 words)
   A brief summary of the topic covered in your proposed presentation/film.
3. ABSTRACT (1,000 – 1,500 words)
   A summary that includes your thesis and all of the supporting arguments and conclusions for your proposed presentation/film.
4. SOURCES (50 – 100 words)
   A general list of primary and secondary research sources supporting your proposed presentation/film.
5. SHORT BIOGRAPHY (75 – 100 words)
   A brief description of you.
6. RESUME (one page)
   A resume with relevant educational and research accomplishments, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. 

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (PPAM), standing over 14,000 feet tall, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Colorado and has played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the region. It famously inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" after her visit to the summit in 1893. For generations, Pikes Peak has been a destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike.

From October through April, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can experience the majesty of this iconic peak at no charge through PPLD’s Culture Pass program.

A beloved tourist destination, PPAM became a Culture Pass partner in 2023 to give patrons greater access to this iconic landmark. With a rich history and abundant outdoor recreation, and interpretive programs, Pikes Peak offers PPLD cardholders the chance to explore and enjoy the mountain like never before. By becoming a Culture Pass partner, Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain makes it even easier for the community to experience all that this remarkable destination has to offer. 

Guests can make their way to the summit on the Pikes Peak Highway as they meander through three distinct ecosystems including the Montane, Subalpine, and Alpine Zones.  The Pikes Peak Highway offers three visitor centers along the ascent including the Crystal Gift Shop adjacent to Crystal Reservoir and Glen Cove just under the tree line. 

As soon as guests reach the summit, they are surrounded by the natural beauty of Pikes Peak, with the building and outdoor walkways thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating an immersive experience. Visitors can also enjoy the state-of-the-art Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, at 14,115 feet! The new visitor center, which opened in June 2021, provides people of all ages and abilities improved accessibility throughout the entire summit, engaging interpretive exhibits that share the history of the mountain, a revamped gift shop, and indoor and outdoor dining areas where guests can enjoy a world-famous Pikes Peak donut and other delicious treats while taking in the expansive views. 

Many people recognize Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain from events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, and the AdAmAn Club’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks display. PPAM also offers a range of exciting activities and events, including the annual Youth Fishing Derby, volunteer cleanup days, sunrise openings, interpretive programs, and festive holiday celebrations. These are fantastic opportunities to enhance your understanding of the mountain’s ecosystems and history, which holds a significant place in Indigenous and local communities.

A trip to Pikes Peak offers both an unforgettable outdoor experience and a chance to connect with the natural and cultural history of the region. Check out your no-cost Culture Pass today and discover why Pikes Peak continues to inspire awe and adventure! 

Homeschoolers, get ready to tell the world about your favorite book! Prepare a creative book report at home and present it informally to other families in a science fair-style format. What you create to represent your book is up to you. Build a diorama, design a game based on the plot and characters, or make a poster for the movie version. Or you might create a book in a bag project, make a clothes hanger mobile, or draw the story in a comic book format. The possibilities are endless! For homeschool students in grades K – 8. 

Registration opens on Fri., Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Register here to be a book presenter. Please make sure that each participating student registers separately.

If you aren’t ready to present a book report yourself, drop by to support other homeschoolers by browsing the projects and discover your next favorite book!

When: Fri., Dec. 13 from 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: East Library

Need ideas to help you get started? Take a look at our idea file.