Overview

Built in 1888, by Aspen's most important historical figure, Jerome Wheeler, the Queen Anne-style Victorian house, known as the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, was once the private residence of Mr. Wheeler (though his wife, an heir to the Macy's Department Store riches, would never inhabit the home) and, for some forty years, of Edgar and Mary Ella Stallard.

The Aspen Historical Society purchased the historic building in 1969, but it would not be until 2000-2001 that restoration and renovation would be undertaken to restore much of the home's original grandeur to both the inside and exterior, as well as to the grounds. The first floor of the house has been refurbished to represent early 1890s with period furniture, as well as photography, including an arrestingly beautiful photo by William Henry Jackson, and artwork representing Aspen Valley before the turn of the century.

As home of Aspen Historical Society, the first floor provides a permanent collection, while upstairs, a second floor provides gallery space for changing exhibits. The restoration, painstakingly undertaken, intended not only to provide the town of Aspen with a sense of history but also with a place to celebrate. The house, with a fully operational kitchen, can be rented as a site for parties of all kinds, including weddings and benefits. The Historical Society also hosts events, such as music and speakers, for public enjoyment. For more information on rental for special events, call (970) 925-3721, (800) 925-3721 or (970) 925-5347.   

Location/Directions

Located in Aspen's West End, at 360 West Bleeker Street, the Wheeler/Stallard Museum can be easily located. Approaching Aspen from the north, from Interstate 70 at Glenwood Springs, take highway 82 south past Carbondale and Snowmass Village. At the rotary, be sure to continue on 82, which becomes Main Street in Aspen proper. Follow Main Street through town and take a right on North Sixth Street just before the road continues past the Aspen Ranger Station and on to Independence Pass. The Museum is located at the corner of N. Sixth St. and W. Bleeker St., one block off Main Street.  

Seasons/Hours

The museum opens its doors Tuesday through Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, throughout the year, with a docent available to guide visitors through the galleries.  Please, check the Aspen Historical Society web site for up-to-date information on special exhibits. http://aspenhistory.org/tours-sites/wheeler-stallard-museum/ The grounds are available to rent for special events from June through mid-September. Call (970) 925-3721 for more information.

Fees

For admission to the museum, adults pay $10, seniors $8 and children under 12 are free.

To avoid admission prices, join the Aspen Historical Society! Annual membership costs $50 and offers members access to free tours, free admission to speakers and events, and open access to the kitchen and grounds.

Rental of grounds for special events costs $2500. Guests of these events are cordially offered free admission to the galleries in the house. The maximum event size is 250 people, and those interested should be aware that noise ordinances do apply. The Historical Society does, also, hold the right to approve food and music for the event. To book or request information email info@aspenhistory.org or call (970) 925-3721.

More Info

For those interested in archival research regarding Aspen throughout the years, the Aspen Historical Society's Archives and Collections, which include numerous artifacts, photos and newspapers, are located in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. For more information, call (970) 925-3721 ext. 103 or email archives@aspenhistory.org. Fees do apply and are dependent upon the type of research. Visit http://archiveaspen.org/ for more information.