2017 Stephen H. Hart Awards for Historic Preservation
Governors Award for Historic Preservation
Gary and Lilly McCall, owners; Alexa Roberts and Michael Taylor of the National Park Service
For the preservation, interpretation, and stewardship of Bent’s New Fort
This unique collaboration between the private owners and the National Park Service resulted in the nomination of one of Colorado’s most historic sites to the National Register of Historic Places. Bent’s New Fort represents several facets of Colorado’s trade, settlement, and military history. You can learn more about Bent’s New Fort here.
State Historic Preservation Officer’s Award
April V. Gil, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management; Jon Horn, Alpine Archaeological Consultants, Inc.; Jon Maraschin, Riverview Technology Corporation
For the National Register nomination of the Department of Energy Grand Junction Office
The Department of Energy Grand Junction Office played a critical role in the Manhattan Project—the secret effort to develop an atomic bomb during World War II. Because of the hard work of these awardees, the historic site and cabin are preserved and recognized for the role they played in world history.
State Archaeologist’s Award
Susan Collins, Ph.D.
For her service to Colorado as State Archaeologist
Dr. Susan Collins is the former Colorado State Archaeologist. Her career spans decades of field and regulatory work, leaving a lasting impact on Colorado and regional archaeology.
Hart Awards
Terry Knight and Lynn W. Hartman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Historic Preservation Office
For the recognition and preservation of Ute Mountain Ute history and heritage
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Historic Preservation Office has consistently been one of the strongest such offices in the state. Knight and Hartman have worked tirelessly as advocates for and examples of tribal representation in preservation efforts in Colorado and beyond.
Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office; Mountain Studies Institute; San Juan County; San Juan County Historical Society
For the preservation of Animas Forks
The Animas Forks mining town still stands thanks to the incredible collaborative efforts of private and public partners. Animas Forks is an incredible resource, with multiple intact, original buildings representing the mining history of Colorado.
Lee Merkel
For a career of service in historic preservation
Lee Merkel of the Department of Local Affairs has, throughout his career, gone above and beyond in order to make preservation a priority. His work across the state to preserve historic resources is an example for all public servants.
Schweiger Ranch Foundation
For the preservation of Schweiger Ranch
The historic Schweiger Ranch in Lone Tree is a marvel of historic preservation. Amidst development all along the Front Range, the Schweiger Ranch Foundation has managed to keep the historic ranch preserved and safe from destruction.