Cozy Up with Local Stories at Evening with the Authors
Western Colorado authors, David P. Bailey and Janielle Westermire, share the stories behind their books
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Fall is the perfect season to settle in with a good book! On October 15, Western Colorado readers can meet two of the authors and learn more about their stories.
The Museums of Western Colorado will host Evening with the Authors from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the Museum of the West, featuring Western Colorado authors David P. Bailey and Janielle Westermire.
The evening brings together two distinctly local stories: Bailey’s exploration of the trails and early transportation routes that shaped Western Colorado and Westermire’s heartwarming children’s story about animals, belonging and finding family. Guests will hear directly from both authors, learn the stories behind their books and enjoy refreshments during an evening designed for readers, families, and local history lovers.
Bailey’s latest book, Navigating Western Colorado: Early Expeditions and the Birth of Transportation on the Frontier, released in July 2026 in recognition of Colorado’s sesquicentennial, explores the trails, pathways and early transportation routes that shaped Western Colorado. From Ute and Spanish trails to mountain men’s pathways and military wagon roads, Bailey traces how people navigated the region’s challenging landscape and how those early routes helped pave the way for modern transportation.
Bailey spent 28 years as a history curator at the Museum of the West and has built a career researching and sharing Western Colorado history. His documentary work has included collaborations with National Geographic, the History Channel, Travel Channel, Mysteries at the Museum and the BBC.
Westermire, a Western Colorado native, will share Faith Finds a Home, a children’s story inspired by the animals on her family farm. The book explores what it means to be a family and reminds young readers that families can be formed through love and belonging, not only by birth.
After retiring from a 27-year career as a jail operations deputy, Westermire began writing stories about the alpacas, llamas, goats, ducks and chickens she and her husband raised. She currently works as a Behavioral Interventionist in the school district and particularly enjoys sharing stories with children.
Guests will hear from both authors during the evening, with refreshments provided.
Event Details:
Evening with the Authors
Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Museum of the West
462 Ute Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Admission is $5 for nonmember adults and free for children and Museums of Western Colorado members.
For more information, visit MuseumsOfWesternCO.org.
About the Museums of Western Colorado
The Museums of Western Colorado connects people with the history, culture and natural heritage of Western Colorado and the Colorado Plateau through exhibitions, collections, educational programs and experiences.