Hidden throughout Littleton are the stories of its nearly 100 years as a remote agricultural community, once barely a dot on the map, just 11 miles south of Denver. Scattered across the city, buildings and structures stand as silent witnesses to that past. Preserving and sharing these stories are the devoted members of Historic Littleton, Inc., who serve as both guardians and interpreters of the city's rich heritage.
For nearly a decade, Gail Keeley has led Historic Littleton in its mission to deepen public awareness of the city’s past.
Born in Wisconsin, Keeley moved to Denver in the mid-1970s. With a degree in City Planning and Environmental Sciences, she soon found her calling in historic preservation. Keeley eventually launched her own consulting firm, specializing in historic impact studies. Her work, focused on the intersection (no pun intended) of expanding
transportation networks and historic structures across Colorado, not only allowed her to influence the field of preservation but also deepened her understanding of how history helps connect people to the places they call home.
Recognizing how preservation could strengthen a community’s identity, Keeley brought her expertise to Historic Littleton, Inc., where she helps foster deeper connections between the city’s past and present.
Founded in 1989 as a fundraising organization known as the Second Century Fund, Historic Littleton has evolved alongside the growing need to preserve the city’s heritage. More active today than ever, the organization offers its members and the public opportunities to engage in and experience Littleton’s built history through expert-led
tours, educational events, and storytelling that brings the past to life.
By far the most popular program offered are the monthly historic walking tours. Offerings include the “Mid-Mod Mile” along Littleton Boulevard, the city’s oldest structure – the City Ditch, and most popular of all, historic Downtown. No matter the tour, they’re a spectacular way to spend a summer evening.
Keeley recently led a group of a dozen or so on a tour of Littleton’s downtown. While every tour is unique, they all begin at the Depot Art Gallery and head west down Mainstreet. Highlights include the historic Arapahoe County Courthouse, the Town Hall Arts Center (the city’s cultural hub), the Coors Building—once home to Littleton’s gentleman’s club—the Carnegie Library, and J.D. Hill’s General Store, once the very heart, soul, and social center of town. At every stop, history, legend, and lore are shared. Tour participants are quick to share personal memories of how downtown has changed, and someone is always surprised by a piece of trivia, like the fact that downtown has been home to eight auto dealerships over time.
In addition to the tours, Historic Littleton offers “Historic Happy Hours”, and a fascinating lecture series throughout the year. These programs explore both well-know events, such as the devastating flood of 1965, and lesser known but equally important moments and figures that helped shape the community we know today.
As her walking tour comes to an end, and the participants made plans to stop by one of Littleton’s many restaurants or pubs (many at home in historic buildings) Keeley summed up her passion for history in this way: “it’s important to learn about our past and to apply that knowledge as we shape the future. It’s equally valuable to know that how we do things now hasn’t always been the way, and today’s way isn’t the best way by default. History offers us a bigger perspective.”
When asked why she dedicates so much time and energy preserving and sharing Littleton’s past, Keeley offered this reflection: “Littleton’s history is agricultural, but there are very few clues left of that today. History isn’t just something you know, it is something you feel. I love this work because the more people know, the more they care, and the more they care, the more apt they are to step forward when action is required.”
For over a year, Historic Littleton Inc. has been dedicated to preserving remnants of the City Ditch. As the oldest structure in Littleton, the City Ditch is central to the city's history as both its name and its very existence trace back to this engineering feat, which dates to 1862 when Richard Little arrived to serve as an engineer on its construction. To learn more about the preservation efforts, visit HLinc.org