SUPERIOR, Colo. — The Town of Superior marked a significant milestone in its recovery from the devastating 2021 Marshall Fire on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of its historical museum. The museum, originally a 100-year-old mine camp house, had been reduced to ashes in the fire.
Mayor Mark Lacis addressed attendees, reflecting on the profound loss experienced by the community, which included more than 400 homes and businesses in Superior alone. The museum's absence had served as a poignant reminder of this loss.
"For so many reasons, it was heartbreaking," Lynn Jenner recalled, remembering how her children had visited the museum on their second-grade field trips.
Planning for the museum's reconstruction began in late 2022, with construction starting in November 2023. The project was a collaborative effort involving the town's Historic Commission, Lions Club of Colorado, Schneider Construction, Architectural Workshop, and numerous community members and donors.
"It is an unbelievable feeling in a lot of ways because, after the fire, there was nothing left here—just the basement full of ash," said Larry Dorsey of the town's Historic Commission.
The new museum is a faithful replica of the original, with architects even sourcing repurposed wood from Louisiana to match the old floorboards. This time, however, they ensured the materials had fire-resistant qualities.
"This fire was such a destructive and profound event that I think this is a symbol of hope and maybe even inspiration," added Dorsey.
For the community, the reconstruction of the museum symbolizes the resilience and enduring spirit of the town.
"There's so much love in this building. I think it has just raised the spirits of the entire community, showing that they can recover from such a terrible catastrophe," said Kathryn Barth, a long-time resident of Superior.
Mayor Lacis shared that the town is now 60% rebuilt, with projections to reach 75% by the end of the year.
"This is an important moment for Superior because, while we are able to recapture a part of our history by rebuilding our historical museum, we’re also able to reach an important milestone in our recovery from the Marshall Fire," he stated.
The museum plans to reinstall versions of its previous exhibits while also introducing a new addition: a multimedia exhibit documenting the Marshall Fire, its impact on the town, and the subsequent rebuilding efforts. This new exhibit recognizes the Marshall Fire as an integral part of Superior's history.
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