Hundreds of photographs and other materials about early Golden were recently purchased from the estate of Richard A. Ronzio, and have been cataloged and preserved.  They are the base group of the Golden Historical Collection, a joint endeavor of the Jefferson County Public Library and Golden Landmarks Association.  Among the collection items are photos of historic Golden places unduplicated elsewhere, such closeups of the destroyed Ford Street storefronts of Golden's downtown district, and a rare government publication of the laws of Jefferson Territory, the extralegal provisional government that preceded the creation of the Territory of Colorado.  The purpose of this collection is to assemble a central repository of historic photographs of the Golden area, professionally cared for and offered for public use.  Photographic reproduction of this collection is possible, and reproduction rights are the property of GLA.  A duplicate set of prints of the photographic materials in the collection is available in the GLA offices for those desiring to order copies.  To visit the online exhibits of the Ronzio photographs, go here.

The Golden Landmarks Association owns and curates the collection of historic artifacts currently housed in the Astor House and Clear Creek Ranch Park buildings in Golden, comprising the content of the museums established there.  GLA also owns the desk of famed Colorado pioneer, engineer, geologist and Civil War veteran Edward L. Berthoud, now on display at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum.  The two remaining chairs of the Golden Opera House are now on permanent display at its modern-era counterpart next door, the Miners Alley Playhouse. The collection items have been generously donated by people interested in preserving Golden's past.  GLA's role as conservator of the collection is to maintain accurate records, preserve the objects from deterioration, and oversee their proper use for educational purposes and display.

For over 30 years GLA has accumulated many more items not commonly available for public display, files and artifacts that comprise the GLA Archives.  Available for research purposes to the public, these include the Pete Morrison Collection, of the family who the town of Morrison is named after, having historic photos and paraphenalia from the movie career of this famous local star who helped give John Wayne his start in western films.