By james art CONTRIBUTED
FORT GARLAND — History Colorado is excited to announce that it has received a $164,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. That funding — which was directed by Congress — will be matched by History Colorado to update geothermal heating systems and make various buildings at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center more energy efficient.
Built in 1858 – 10 years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and amid American westward expansion – the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center features a number of heritage adobe buildings, the oldest structures in the state of Colorado. These historic structures embody a multi-faceted history rooted in the San Luis Valley of American conquest, Spanish colonization, Mestizo and Native ancestry, and they served as living quarters for the Union Army, including the Buffalo Soldiers.
However, most of these structures are not heated or air-conditioned, severely limiting community use of the site during the colder winter months.
“History Colorado is excited to demonstrate how historic preservation and clean energy technology can easily coexist,” said Dawn DiPrince, President/CEO of History Colorado and State Historic Preservation Officer. “Updating geothermal technology and improving energy efficiency at our nationally recognized Fort Garland Museum means more people can access the museum year-round.” These improvements also create opportunities for History Colorado to exhibit rare or fragile documents and objects at the site – providing even greater accessibility and connection to the residents of the San Luis Valley.”
This investment will support the practical history services provided to the community, in addition to supporting year-round visitation, engagement and proper care of the collections.
Founded to provide safe, accessible, curriculum-aligned educational programs for school-aged children, Hands-On History provides fifth-day programs for families enrolled in several area school districts that have transitioned to four-day school weeks, such as and full-day camps during the winter, spring and summer school holidays.
“In so many ways, the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center exemplifies the Colorado History Museum Network,” DiPrince said. “As an organization, we pride ourselves on being active participants in our communities. Under Eric Carpio’s leadership, our Fort Garland site has been responsive to community needs and feedback, and this funding will expand his team’s capacity to continue their important work and meet the expanding needs of Fort Garland and the San Luis Valley.”
Requests for proposals for geothermal and atmospheric efforts at Fort Garland will open later this fall, and work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Members of the public with questions, comments or concerns about this project are encouraged to contact Eric Carpio, Chief Municipal Museum Officer and Director of the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, at 719-379-3512 or [email protected].
The museum is located at 29477 State Highway 159, Fort Garland and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.FortGarlandMuseum.org or call 719-379-3512 for more information.