Highlands Ranch Historical Society

04/19/2026

You are invited to the April 20 program of the Highlands Ranch Historical Society 7 pm start at Southridge Recreation Center,
https://thehrhs.org/event/april-celebrating-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month/

01/15/2026

You are Invited! Highlands Ranch Historical Society Program—Mission Viejo, Shared History.
Monday, January 19
7:00 pm -8:30 pm at HR Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road.

Program details the shared history of Highlands Ranch modern day builder--Mission Viejo (MV) , from beginnings in MV California, to MV Aurora, and MV Highlands Ranch

Presenter Todd McMahon. The fascinating history and development of Mission Viejo, California, and its expansion to Aurora and then Highlands Ranch, Colorado, will be presented by Todd McMahon, former president of the Aurora Mission Viejo HOA community. Todd will highlight the company’s and communities’ unique characteristics.

Todd will also share some of his work for Douglas County and will bring artifacts from the Highlands Ranch area for attendees to view before and after the presentation.

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Come early and enjoy the complimentary refreshments, activities, guests and program sponsors. $5 donation requested. Location: HR Southridge Recreation Center, Auditorium. More info at https://theHRHS.org

07/20/2025

Way to go Forrest Dykstra and HR Senior Center! The Center is beautiful and a splendid example of quality planning, ex*****on and community support. The Highlands Ranch Historical Society recognizes this as a major community growth milestone, and send congratulations to all involved.

Highlands Ranch Metro District Board Chair Renee Anderson recently accepted a ColoradoBiz Top Project award recognizing the Highlands Ranch Senior Center as one of the first ever award recipients. Pictured here with Anderson is Forrest Dykstra, who managed the senior center construction project.

The award celebrates the best construction projects in Colorado. According to ColoradoBiz, this award spotlights the excellent work being done in the architecture/engineering/development/and building industries.

The recognized projects were judged for their degree of difficulty, creativity in design, innovative construction techniques, cooperation among contractors and management, and sustainability efforts.

The 22,000-square-foot senior center opened in January 2025, offering programs, activities and events to people ages 55 and older. The center already has more than 1,800 members. Learn more about the senior center at highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter.

07/20/2025

Highlands Ranch Historical Society had the privilege of participating in the HR Senior Center sponsored Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Close to 100 people stopped at our table, chatted and / or left with Historical Society Information.

HRHS Secretary Marian Robinson mans the table, laden with HR History, upcoming programs and fun facts.

The HR Historical Quiz helped get the conversations going….first question….What 2 kinds of cheese were made at the Cheese Ranch?? (Answer below)

Always a big hit at Community Events…..our large green dinosaur–Triceratops! Did you know that dinosaurs were discovered in 2019 at Wind Crest during building excavations? HR is proud to have the only known dinosaur discovery in Douglas County.

Here visitor Pat M. said hello to the dino!

HR History Quiz–Question…..What 2 kinds of cheese were made at the Cheese Ranch?

Answer….Limburger Cheese and Brick Cheese (similar to white cheddar).

For more HR history, visit https://thehrhs.org/history/

01/18/2025

https://conta.cc/4amtcKm

Email from Highlands Ranch Historical Society Tunes and Tales Will Return Later in the Year January 20 Program: Tunes and Tales from Colorado Trails CANCELED FOR NOW DUE TO WEATHER   BAD WEATHER DAY

09/24/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/GqTbmAo7NnSdoyTp/
Thanks to Shirley Cavanaugh for posting these photos and details about the fun and delicious tour to the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs.

03/22/2024

Samuel Allen Long, Pioneer who started the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Program highlights, photos and video. Beautiful night at the Mansion, having fun with our fellow attendees.

https://thehrhs.org/samuel-allen-long-pioneer-who-started-the-mansion/

02/11/2024

UPCOMING PROGRAMS---more info at www.theHRHS.org

Teacher icons created by geotatah - Flaticon

February 19: John and Abigail Adams, Crafting a New American Presidency

March 18: Samuel Allen Long, A Journey thru his Legacy and Colorado Charm

April 15: Becoming Elvis!!!

May 20: The Denver Convention Center Mural

01/04/2024

You are invited to the Monday, January 15 program at HR Southridge Rec. Center Doors open 6:30 pm. More info https://thehrhs.org/event/program-a-colorado-panorama-the-stories-behind-the-faces-on-the-wall/

11/08/2023

PROGRAM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 at Southridge. Colorado Authors . Come and meet over 25 local authors who will have books for sales and signings and discussions. Fast paced and lively evening. Click on the links for more information.

Meet, Mix and Mingle with local Colorado Authors PROGRAM: Colorado Author Forum & Book Signing Registration Requested REGISTER HERE   Monday November 20, 2023 Doors Open at 6:30 pm Come early and e

08/28/2023

Tours in September and October--all are welcome

08/19/2023

UPDATED LINK TO MONDAY AUG. 21 PROGRAM:

Summer theater reflections at it finest PROGRAM Life Upon the Wicked Stage Registration Requested REGISTER HERE   Monday August 21, 2023 Doors Open at 6:30 pm Come early and enjoy the activities a