As philanthropy officer, Carpio helped numerous museum initiatives earn funding support, including the Museum of Memory community history projects, Hands-On History education programs, and the Borderlands of Southern Colorado initiative. He also helped El Pueblo History Museum earn national recognition as a finalist for the Institute for Museum and Library Services 2019 National Medal. In his time at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, Carpio has worked on program development, including leading a Borderlands of Southern Colorado advisory group in the San Luis Valley and a Borderlands educator professional development workshop.

Carpio’s appointment comes at a time of growth for Fort Garland Museum. In late summer 2019 the museum will open a new exhibit, Borderlands of Southern Colorado: Shadows of Slavery, about the history of Indigenous slavery in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The museum recently extended its operations to be open year-round, offering its exhibits and programs during winter months for the first time and has expanded heritage education programs, like the Land to Hand fiber arts festival.

“Eric’s leadership over the past year-and-a-half at Fort Garland Museum has brought together people from communities all over the San Luis Valley,” said Dawn DiPrince, chief community museums officer. “We are excited to see how he and the museum continue to coauthor stories with communities throughout the region.”

Carpio will continue his work as philanthropy officer as well as his new role as director of Fort Garland Museum.

About Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center

Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center is a Community Museum of History Colorado, located in historic Costilla County. Fort Garland was established in 1858 as a United States Army post in the San Luis Valley. It consists of five adobe buildings original to the fort and is an integral part of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Visit the museum at 29477 Hwy. 159, Fort Garland, Colo. 81133, or call 719-379-3512 for more information.

About History Colorado

Founded in 1879 and celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, History Colorado’s mission has always been to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. The charitable organization and historical agency serves as the state’s memory, preserving the places, stories and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections and outreach to Colorado communities. With eight museums around the state, History Colorado shares the cultures and stories that define Colorado’s past and present, including: History Colorado Center (Denver); Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers-Evans House (Denver); El Pueblo History Museum (Pueblo); Trinidad History Museum (Trinidad); Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center (Fort Garland); Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin (Leadville); Ute Indian Museum (Montrose); and Fort Vasquez (Platteville). Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Zach Werkowitch
Community Relations Manager
719-583-0453 | zach.werkowitch@state.co.us