![Nicki Gonzales Colorado State Historian History](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/07/Nicki-Gonzales-scaled.jpg)
The new state historian wants kids to know their families' stories. That way they can understand what forces shaped the present and embrace differences. Nicki Gonzales begins her one-year term as historian on Sunday, August 1, which is "Colorado Day," the day Colorado became a state in 1876. Gonzales is a Professor of History and Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at Regis University. She's also a member of History Colorado's State Historian's Council. And is now, the first Latina to be named Colorado's State Historian.