DENVER, Colo. (October 15, 2019) – History Colorado’s Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is renewing the statewide action plan for historic preservation, and will hold a series of public meetings to engage communities across the state to help draft the guidance for the 2030 Statewide Preservation Plan.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires all state historic preservation offices to create a new state preservation plan every 10 years. Colorado’s current preservation plan continues through 2020 and History Colorado is gearing up to write the 2030 plan by seeking engagement with diverse perspectives across Colorado to shape the plan and inform endeavors that prioritize the work of preserving Colorado’s shared history.  

“A primary aim of these listening sessions is to learn how we can create space for more meaningful participation from a wider array of communities,” said Ann Alexander Walker, Immediate Past President of the History Colorado Board of Directors. “Successful engagement will go beyond identifying our shared goals. It will require us to focus our efforts on what we have missed; and how we can authentically ground our work in the inclusion of voices that are not typically a part of historic preservation conversations. These public meetings are just the beginning of that endeavor,” she added.   

The 2030 Statewide Preservation Plan will serve as a guide to a wide network of historic preservationists in Colorado. It will also influence the work done by their professional partners, including architects and archaeologists, city planners and developers, historical societies and officials in cities and rural municipalities.

“Let’s bring more people to the table. We are proud of our work and continued engagement with Indigenous communities in Colorado, particularly in archaeology and the preserving of cultural resources with the utmost honor and respect for their ancient cultures,” said Holly Kathryn Norton, Ph.D., Director of Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Colorado State Archaeologist, and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. “As our state grows, we want to strengthen our work to intersect preservation with the needs and concerns of even more Coloradans.

“We care about historical character of our rural towns and urban neighborhoods, and we want to hear from communities most impacted by population increases and housing shortages, natural disasters and emergency preparedness, redevelopment and revitalization, gentrification and displacement. We want to see the world of preservation through their eyes. We want communities to see our work as part of the solution for the future of Colorado,” Dr. Norton added.

Statewide preservation planning will seek a consensus on priorities, to stimulate renewed partnerships, assess evolving conditions–both in terms of resource identification and in analyzing critical needs and challenges–and to determine strategies to meet them.

The 2030 Plan will:

• Examine historic resource conditions and preservation practices in Colorado
• Seek input from the public, tribes, preservation professionals, and owners of historic properties
• Identify significant issues affecting historic resources
• Propose realistic solutions to issues
• Set priorities for preservation action

Public meetings are being held in October and November across the state. To find a meeting near you and to get more information, visit https://www.historycolorado.org/state-preservation-plan or call 303-866-3392.

About History Colorado
History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving the places, stories and material culture of Colorado through the History Colorado Center and statewide Community Museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections and outreach to Colorado communities. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Philip Clapham
Preservation Communications Manager
303-866-2049 / 303-681-5823 (cell) | philip.clapham@state.co.us