Keeping Berthoud's
History Alive!

Dedicated to a rich rural heritage, the Berthoud Historical Society (est. 1977) discovers and preserves the history of the town of Berthoud, the Little Thompson Valley area, Colorado and the surrounding region.

Our Museums

The Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum
and the Pioneer Courtyard

224 Mountain Avenue, Berthoud, CO   80513
Phone: 970-532-2147
Hours of Operation – Open Thursday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Admission – Adults $5 | Seniors and Youth (12-18) $3 | Children (11 and under) Free
Members always free

McCarty-Fickel Home Museum
and Event Space

645 7th Street, Berthoud, CO 80513
Phone: 970-532-2147
Hours of Operation – Open by Appointment
Admission – Adults and Children over 11 $5 | Children (11 and under) – Free
Members always free

Permanent and Rotating Exhibits

Permanent Exhibit
The Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum

Our permanent exhibit at the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum highlights the historic past of Berthoud and the Little Thompson Valley area with hundreds of objects, historic buildings, and an engaging and informative museum tour.

Rotating Exhibit
Honoring the Historic Williams Wayside Inn

When Stan Williams and his father Lee of Longmont purchased the Wayside Inn in Berthoud after World War II, the residents of the town numbered 867. For more than 50 years, the Williams Wayside Inn was a landmark restaurant in Berthoud that attracted eaters for miles around.

New and Exciting!

Get your 2024 Calendar
Berthoud - Garden Spot of Colorado Here!

Berthoud, in the early days known as the agricultural center of southern Larimer County, Colorado, was identified as “The Garden Spot of Colorado” by the local Chamber of Commerce in 1907. The aim of the Berthoud—Garden Spot of Colorado 2024 calendar is to examine the origin of that moniker and pay tribute to the farmers and townspeople who upheld that reputation.

The Berthoud Historical Society extends its most sincere appreciation to everyone who has provided photos for use in this calendar as well as the museums’ exhibits. Such generosity makes it possible for the Society to fulfill its mission to preserve and interpret the rich heritage of Berthoud and the Little Thompson Valley.

While paper calendars have rapidly become redundant in a world dominated by electronic devices, we invite you to peruse the photographs and historical comments featured in this calendar. Berthoud—The Garden Spot of Colorado is a glimpse at Berthoud and its tradition of fine agriculture and horticulture.

Calendars are $20 and Include Shipping

Upcoming Events

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2024 Speaker Series – Tom Martinez speaks about the Hispanic History of Berthoud

March 19 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

March 19th, 7-9 pm Winter-Spring Speaker Series 
Tom Martinez speaks about the Hispanic History of Berthoud
At the Berthoud Community Recreation Center.

Details

Date:
March 19
Time:
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Event Category:
Website:
https://berthoudhistoricalsociety.org/speaker-series

Venue

Berthoud Community Recreation Center
1000 Berthoud Parkway
Berthoud, CO 80513 United States
+ Google Map

Please Support our Trivia Sponsors!

Great Reads about Berthoud

Hover over the book image, or touch with your finger to learn more!

Floyd Clymer, Berthoud's Kid Auto Agent

One of Berthouds' more Famous Citizens

About the Book

In 1907 Motor Field magazine proclaimed Berthoud’s Floyd Clymer as the “youngest automobile agent in the United States and that means the world.” The 11-year-old Clymer embellished the claim by noting he had “Teddy Roosevelt’s assurance” he was the youngest agent in the business. While in Berthoud, Colorado, young Clymer sold more than two dozen vehicles, traveling by train with his clients to Denver where they purchased an auto and were taught to drive on the 50-mile journey back to Berthoud. Author Mark French uncovers Floyd Clymer’s years in Berthoud (1899 to 1910) by pairing Clymer’s published first-person recollections of his activities from several volumes of his historical Motor Scrapbook with local newspaper articles. The “Kid Agent” comes to life through visits to early automobile shows, observations of the 1908 New York to Paris Race automobile race, viewing of the first air flight over Colorado, and his attempt at a nationally publicized cross-country drive from Denver to Spokane in a Flanders “20.”

Purchase Price $25 (includes Shipping)

Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the Berthoud Historical Society endowment.
Add to Cart

Berthoud, From River Bottom to Bluff

Delve into the Fascinating History of Berthoud, Colorado

About the Book

Author and President of the Berthoud Historical Society, Mark French uncovers the fascinating history of Berthoud, Colorado, beginning with the Native Americans and pre-railroad travelers through the Little Thompson Valley, continuing with the hard work of hearty homesteaders who made the original river bottom settlement a bustling agricultural center and capturing the spirit of a community that developed the town after it was relocated to the bluff. “Mark French opens up the rich history of this Little Thompson Valley settlement. This excellent historical work, including many illustrations, is well worth adding to a library on Colorado history.” ~Kenneth Jessen — historian, author, lecturer

Purchase Price $25 (includes Shipping)

Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the Berthoud Historical Society endowment.
Add to Cart

Our Summer Concerts are Always a Big Hit!

From June to August each year, the Society hosts a variety of local musical groups in our Pioneer Courtyard! Most concerts are free and food and drink are available for purchase!

Get Involved and Show Your Support!

Great People  •  Fun Activities  •  A Worthy Cause

Join

Join our fun and engaging community and support Berthoud history!

Your membership provides the satisfaction found in helping preserve the unique heritage of Berthoud and the Little Thompson Valley. Membership benefits include four newsletters per year, free admission to the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum and McCarty-Fickel Home house museum, and discounts on summer day camp tuition and rental fees for private events scheduled at the McCarty-Fickel Home or the Pioneer Courtyard at the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum. 

Volunteer

Become a real part of our Museums and Events and Share in the FUN!

The Berthoud Historical Society relies on volunteers to help us run our museums and many programs and events. Help us further our mission to preserve the heritage of Berthoud and the Little Thompson Valley by volunteering at the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum, the McCarty-Fickel Home house museum or for Historical Society projects, programs and events.

Support Our Museums, our Staff, and our Events Directly!

Make a Donation Now

Make a Donation to BHS

Your donation to The Berthoud Historical Society is tax deductable and greatly appreciated!

Category:

Please Remember the Society on Colorado Gives Day in December!

Click the Image to Learn More!