For visitors, Golden History Museum’s new exhibit is simply a look at the local high school’s 150-year history.

But, for the alumni and current students, it spans 150 years of memories — the lessons learned in and outside of the classroom; forming friendships that would last a lifetime; and all the high school staples like sporting events, musicals and dances.

In short, it commemorates not only a school, but the Golden community itself, alumni described.

On Aug. 24, the museum opened a new exhibit in honor of Golden High School’s 150th anniversary. About 200 alumni and family members attended, looking through all the displays on the school’s founding, traditions, activities and more.

Curator Stephanie Gilmore and her staff have been working on it for more than six months, and interviewed several GHS alumni, students and staff during their research.

The exhibit, which will be up for at least a year, offers a “bird’s eye” view of GHS’ history, Gilmore explained. She said her staff had a lot of fun putting everything together, and thanked all the alumni and school staff members who donated display items.

For instance, Class of 1980 alumna Rita Poulter donated her prom dress. She recalled a fun night with her date and friends, saying she was among the prom royalty members as well.

Years later, she still had the dress but was unsure what to do with it. When she heard about the museum exhibit, she knew it’d be “the most appropriate place for it to go,” she said.

Poulter, who now lives in Morrison, enjoyed going through the exhibit at the Aug. 24 opening reception, saying she particularly liked seeing all her former teachers and classmates in the video slideshow.

Buck McPherson, Class of 1963 alumnus and lifelong Golden resident, also thought the museum staff had done a great job putting it together.

He pointed out a program for “The Pajama Game” musical, which he and his fellow football players were recruited to dance in. They had such a great time doing it, he said, “We did it again the next year.”

The reception also provided a good opportunity for all the various generations of GHS Demons to connect.

Growing up in Golden, everyone knew everyone, Poulter explained. And, because so many GHS alumni are still local, she said, “everyone still keeps in touch” with each other.

As Poulter summarized: "Once a Demon, always a Demon."

Bob Hayes, Class of 1967 alumnus, said GHS is a “school with soul” that has helped create “a loyal community” of students and alumni.

Hayes’ mother, Virginia, was a Class of 1933 alumna and later served as the school librarian. Her son followed in her footsteps, as he taught math and coached at the school for 38 years.

Now head of the GHS alumni association, Hayes helped put together the exhibit’s video slideshow. He was pleased with how it all turned out, commenting, “There’s good vibes in this room.”

Overall, he and his wife, Amber — the school’s athletic secretary — were also excited to see all the generations of Demons celebrating together at the Aug. 24 opening reception.

They hoped to see everyone back for the Sept. 22 Homecoming Parade, saying it’ll be bigger than usual this year because of the 150th anniversary.

For more information on the new Golden High School exhibit or Golden History Museum & Park, visit goldenhistory.org.