Rosenberry Lecture: “That’s Why They Saved the Bricks: A History of Villa Italia Mall”

Exhibition developer and historian Jeremy Morton will take an in-depth look at the history of Villa Italia Mall and explore how it was much more than just a place to shop in the communities of Lakewood and West Denver. In this engaging and entertaining lecture, Morton will discuss the unique history of Villa Italia and how malls became integral to the social fabric of American cities. Morton will also engage with larger themes related to mall culture and nostalgia while showing how communal gathering places can play a significant role in shaping our personal identities.

Jeremy Morton develops exhibitions at the History Colorado Center. He was previously History Colorado’s Public Engagement Manager and, before that, Education Coordinator for Community Museums. Morton, a Denver native and a 90s kid, grew up frequenting the Villa Italia Mall. He graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a bachelor of arts in history and a master of arts in curriculum and instruction.