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Stephen H. Hart Awards for Historic Preservation

Presented by Holland and Hart

2023 Stephen H. Hart Awards

Stephen H. Hart Awards

The significance of the Stephen H. Hart Awards has evolved over the years; yet, the sole purpose is to recognize Colorado’s great history through outstanding archaeology and historic preservation projects.

The Stephen H. Hart Awards celebrates and recognizes exemplary projects in archaeology and historic preservation across the state. Each project contributes to the field of preservation because of their innovative approaches, in-depth research, and/or use of proper techniques that honor the historic significance and craftsmanship of Colorado’s archaeological and built environment

Since 1986, History Colorado has recognized the State’s first Preservation Officer, Stephen H. Hart. Mr. Hart was a trailblazer in the field of law and how it could influence preservation in Colorado. Without Stephen Hart’s dedication to Colorado’s history, many sites would not be here today. Each project is a continued celebration of the work that Stephen Hart accomplished.

About Holland & Hart LLP

The law firm of Holland & Hart LLP is once again generously sponsoring this annual ceremony, in tribute to its founding partner Stephen H. Hart (1908-1993), who served as Colorado’s first State Historic Preservation Officer. Holland & Hart is a full-service law firm that has nearly 500 lawyers across eight states and in Washington, D.C., delivering integrated legal solutions to regional, national, and international clients of all sizes in a diverse range of industries.

Award Recipients

Each year History Colorado staff submits nominations for projects that meet expectations of a Stephen H. Hart Award. Final approval is provided by History Colorado leadership.  The 2024 Hart Award celebration has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  A link to RSVP will be available in the coming weeks.

2024 Award Winners

This year five projects from around the state were chosen to receive an award. 

  • Governor’s Award: Fuel & Iron (Pueblo)
  • State Historic Preservation Officer Award: Chicano/a/x Murals of Colorado Project (Statewide)
  • State Archaeologist Award: State Land Board (Statewide)
  • History Colorado Board Award: Emergent Campus; Historic Florence High School, LLC (Florence)
  • People's Choice Award: East Street School (Trinidad)

Learn more about the materials and design of each award!

 

Learn More

Watch all the 2023 Stephen H. Hart Award videos on the History Colorado YouTube channel.

2023 Awardee Videos

Past Award Recipients

Learn more about past Stephen H. Hart Award winners