Press Release

Nichols to Retire from History Colorado

Denver - Ed Nichols, president and CEO of History Colorado, announced today he will retire this fall after eight years leading the state’s premier historical and preservation organization.

“It has been a true honor to lead an outstanding team of professionals who have worked tirelessly to both preserve and tell the stories of Colorado,” said Nichols. “Together we took a vision of a stronger presence for history in our state and were able to make it a reality.”

During Nichols’ tenure the organization grew both in size and scope, leaving its long-standing facility on Lincoln Street and opening a new museum with more than 30,000 feet of exhibit space and a new brand as History Colorado at 1200 Broadway. Simultaneously the impact of preservation programs executed through the State Historic Fund also gained stature, with preservation activity and partnerships occurring in each of the state’s 64 counties. Community museums across the state, including assets such as the Georgetown Loop Railroad and El Pueblo Museum, also gained prominence and relevance.

“History Colorado is synonymous with Ed Nichols,” said Ann Alexander Pritzlaff, chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. “The passion, commitment and tireless efforts of Ed and his team have been vital to creating the key asset we are to the state today. Ed will be missed, but we will see his handprints in our history.”

Key milestones which occurred under Nichols’ leadership include:

  • Affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.
  • Annual visitation growth from 57,000 to more than 200,000 at the flagship facility, and 400,000 visits to statewide affiliated museums and properties.
  • Membership growth of more than 50 percent.
  • Nationally recognized exhibits such as the locally produced Living West and El Movimiento, and national traveling shows “1968” and “Race” (Denver Post Award for best cultural event of 2014).
  •  American Association of State and Local History Museums Award of Merit for leadership in interpreting the history of Colorado.
  • 2014 and 2015 “Best of” Awards from Westword.
  • Increased interaction with K-12 education through school programming which reaches more than 40,000 students annually.
  • More than $70 million in state funds allocated to historic preservation activities across Colorado.
  • Multiple nominations from the Heartland Chapter of the Emmy Awards for Colorado Experienceprogramming.

Two other senior leaders also are accepting voluntary retirements as part of the organization’s strategic plan to improve the organization’s financial position following declining gaming revenues from the state. Kathryn Hill, chief operating officer, and Joseph Bell, vice president of finance and facilities.   

In the coming weeks the Board of Directors, appointed by Governor John Hickenlooper, will put in place an interim leadership structure to assess how best to proceed and ensure the long-term success of History Colorado.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Steve Coffin/Russ Rizzo
303-825-6100