Preservation & Archaeology

State Historic Preservation Office

The preservation programs of the State Historic Preservation Office are at the heart of History Colorado’s mission to engage Coloradans in discovering, preserving, and taking pride in our architectural and archaeological heritage by providing statewide leadership and support for preserving the places that make Colorado unique.

Archaeology is fundamentally important to the economic, social, and environmental vitality of the State of Colorado. Explore our report on the benefits that this wide-ranging discipline brings to all corners of the state and to all Coloradans.

In order to facilitate Federal and State Compliance projects, the State Historic Preservation Office is recommending that site forms, survey reports, grant deliverables, and GIS shapefiles be submitted digitally. For more information, please visit our Submitting your Data to SHPO page.

Preservation Incentives Programs

2023 Preservation Month Sweepstakes

  • SHF FY19 Grants Map

    History Colorado's Preservation Sweepstakes

    May is National Preservation Month, and you can celebrate this year by participating in this special sweepstakes from History Colorado and the State Historic Preservation Office.

    There are over 4,700 historic sites across Colorado, and 25 have been selected for this contest. To participate, all you have to do is travel to one of these locations, take a picture, and post it to social media (Instagram or Facebook) and use the hashtag #PreserveCO and #HistoryColorado. Each site you take a picture at is another entry, and at the end of National Preservation Month the winner(s) will be selected!

Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation

About the State Historic Preservation Office

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the national historic preservation program at the state level by reviewing National Register of Historic Places nominations, maintaining data on historic properties, and consulting with Federal agencies during Section 106 review. SHPOs are designated by the governor of their respective State or territory. In Colorado, the SHPO is housed within the State Historical Society, History Colorado.

The Colorado SHPO manages several other programs including the State Historical Fund and federal and state rehabilitation tax credits, and oversees survey and inventory of cultural resources across the state. The Office of the State Archaeologist staff also provides guidance relating to the identification, documentation, and protection of archaeological resources.

List of Qualified Preservation Consultants and Contractors

Are you new to preservation or in search of a professional to help complete your project?  Here is a list of individuals and companies that have worked on and completed archaeology and historic preservation projects across the state.

Survey & Inventory Resources

A great starting point for historical and archaeological survey resources, including forms, contexts and records access.

Join the preservation conversation!

History Colorado’s State Historic Preservation Office is renewing the statewide action plan for historic preservation, and inviting the public to collaborate in drafting the upcoming 2030 Statewide Preservation Plan.

Archaeology & Preservation events