This Women’s History Month, we recognize two remarkable women whose dedication helped shape the Denver Museum of Nature & Science Archives! Kristine Haglund and Elizabeth Clancy played key roles in documenting the Museum’s rich history, ensuring that its legacy remains accessible to researchers, staff and the public. Their work laid the foundation for the archives we rely on today.
Kristine Haglund joined the Museum in 1975 as an administrative assistant, involved in special projects, including coordinating community outreach programs and planning the Museum’s 75th-anniversary celebrations. In 1977, she was appointed head of the newly established Archives Department, where she took on the challenge of organizing and preserving the Museum’s historical records. Over the decades, Kris built and shaped the DMNS archival collections, ensuring that important documents and records were properly preserved and accessible. Her commitment to keeping the Museum’s history alive made a lasting impact, and her leadership in the archives continued until her retirement in 2013.
Kris Haglund, who built and shaped the Museum archival collections, sits at a desk in 1979. (Photo/ Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
Elizabeth Clancy became the Museum’s first full-time Photo Archivist in 1985. However, her connection to the Museum stretched back more than a decade. She began working in the South Counter Gift Shop in 1974. Over the years, Liz took on various roles, including secretary for the Anthropology Department and then the Anthropology Registrar. By the early 1980s, she was already working with the Alfred M. Bailey Photographic Archives, overseeing the extensive organization and storage of the Museum’s vast collection of prints, negatives and motion picture films.
Photo archivist Liz Clancy, who played a crucial role in preserving and expanding the Museum’s image archives, pictured in 1979. (Photo/ Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
As Photo Archivist, Liz played a crucial role in preserving and expanding the Museum’s image archives, assisting researchers and managing image permissions. Her expertise and dedication earned her recognition as a respected archivist and a charter member of the Academy of Certified Archivists. She remained in the role until her retirement in 2006.
Through their pioneering work, Kris and Liz built the foundation for the Museum Archives, ensuring that our institution’s history remains preserved for future generations. Their passion and dedication continue to inspire us today as we celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the women who have shaped our collective past.
From left to right, former Museum Director Charles T. Crockett, Kris Hagland and Liz Clancy look at a strip of film negatives in 1980. (Photo/ Denver Museum of Nature & Science)