Colorado Will Broadcast New State Documentary Series
The five-part series debuting in November offers an educational look at Colorado history and diversity.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Native American
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Beginning in November 2026, the state of Colorado will launch a five-part documentary series titled Becoming Colorado. The project serves as an educational initiative for the state's sesquicentennial celebration.
Why it matters
The series aims to elevate overlooked historical narratives and celebrate the diversity of the state. It provides teachers with curated resources to incorporate these complex regional stories into classroom settings.
The documentary consists of five 30-minute episodes produced over 50 days of filming. The project includes 200 interviews and is supported by 37 classroom lessons.
The players
America 250-Colorado 150 Commission
This state commission is responsible for overseeing initiatives and events related to the celebration of Colorado's sesquicentennial.
Colorado Department of Education
This state agency developed educational materials to ensure the documentary can be utilized in classrooms throughout school districts.
Rocky Mountain PBS
This public media organization will serve as the primary broadcast partner for the documentary series for at least three years.
The details
Rather than a chronological approach, the production team utilized thematic segments featuring interviews with historians, experts, and local families. The series covers a range of history, including the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, as part of 13 initiatives approved by the America 250-Colorado 150 Commission.
Timeline
The first episode premiered at the Denver Botanic Gardens on September 1, 2026.
A screening was held at Colorado Mesa University on September 9, 2026.
Statewide television broadcast and school distribution begin in November 2026.
The fifth episode is scheduled to air on Rocky Mountain PBS on December 13, 2026.
Roadmap
The production follows the mandates established by the America 250-Colorado 150 Commission to modernize how state history is presented to the public. It marks a shift toward thematic, diverse storytelling rather than traditional chronological record-keeping for state celebrations.
Teachers and students across the state will have access to 37 specific lesson plans to integrate these historical themes into their studies. Local viewers can expect the series to air on public television for the next three years, providing consistent access to the material.
The takeaway
This series encourages residents to engage with local history through a more diverse and thematic lens. Viewers should look for broadcast schedules on local public television to participate in the sesquicentennial discussions.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's indigenous history in the Native American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
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