It was 150 years ago this year that the discovery of gold in Colorado spurred pioneers, adventurers and capitalists to dream big dreams. For more than 30 years, thousands of hopefuls came west to strike it rich, but only a few succeeded. J.J. and Margaret "Molly" Brown were among the lucky when they made their mining millions in 1893.

With gold lining their pockets, they helped transform life in Denver, buying an opulent home and the finest fashions, and supporting art and culture. Their peers, Denver's millionaires, created a society all their own.

Looking into history
Find out how these mineral millionaires lived, what they wore and more by visiting the Molly Brown House Museum and touring its "All That Gold Can Buy - Denver's Mining Millionaires" exhibit, running through September.
You'll experience the elegance and extravagance of the period. On display will be high-society ball gowns, crystal, china and silk - all the trappings of Victorian wealth and an example of how the Browns, and their friends, spent their money. Margaret Brown's friends included other famous Denver families, such as the Tabors and John Campion, who founded the Denver Museum, now the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Gold brought many of these people to Colorado, but the wealth that mining generated built a city, and high society.

Sip in time
Celebrate Colorado's high society days at the Molly Brown House beginning with Margaret Brown's 142nd Birthday Bash on July 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great occasion for families to enjoy the exhibit, Victorian treats and lawn games for $12 per person.
On Sept. 12, an actor portraying William Russell Green, who found gold on the banks of Cherry Creek and helped spur the Colorado gold rush, will be on hand to explain his discovery and regale guests with tales of early Denver.
On Nov. 7, a "High SocieTea" will allow guests to brush up on the main manners of elegant Victorian life. All teas include a tour of the house and exhibit and time to enjoy small sandwiches and fruit in the Museum's third-floor tea room. Teas range from $20-$25 per person.

IF YOU GO
The Molly Brown House Museum, owned and operated by Historic Denver Inc., is a celebrated Denver landmark at 1340 Pennsylvania St. in the historical Capitol Hill neighborhood. The Browns bought the home in 1894 after striking the largest vein of gold found to that date at the Little Johnny Mine in Leadville.
Admission: General museum admission, including the exhibit, is $8, $6 for seniors older than 65 and $4 for kids 6-12. Summer museum tours run 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, and noon-3:30 p.m. Sundays.
More information: 1-303-832-4092, ext. 16, or mollybrown.org.