FORT GARLAND — History Colorado is excited to announce that it has received a $164,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, as administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. This funding – which was congressionally directed – will be matched by History Colorado to update geothermal heating systems and make various buildings at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center more energy efficient. 

Built in 1858 – 10 years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and amid American expansion into the west – Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center features a number of ancestral adobe buildings, the oldest structures in the State of Colorado's care. These historic structures embody a multi-faceted history rooted in the San Luis Valley of American conquest, Spanish colonization, Mestizo and Indigenous ancestry, and they served as the living quarters of the Union Army, including Buffalo Soldiers. 

However, most of these structures are not heated or weatherized, severely limiting community use of the site during the colder winter months. 

"History Colorado is excited to demonstrate how historic preservation and clean energy technology can easily co-exist," said Dawn DiPrince, president/CEO of History Colorado and State Historic Preservation Officer. "Updating geothermal technology and improving energy efficiency at our nationally recognized Fort Garland Museum means that more people can access the museum all year round. These improvements also create opportunities for History Colorado to exhibit rare or fragile documents and objects at the site -- providing even greater accessibility and connection to San Luis Valley residents." 

This investment will support the Hands-On History services provided to the community, in addition to assisting with year-round visitation, engagement, and proper collections care. 

Founded to supply safe, affordable, curricula-aligned educational programming for school-aged children, Hands-On History provides fifth-day programming for families enrolled in several school districts in the area that have transitioned to four-day school weeks, as well as full-day camps during school breaks in the winter, spring, and summer. 

"In so many ways, the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center exemplifies History Colorado's Community Museum network," DiPrince said. "As an organization, we pride ourselves on being active participants within our communities. Under Eric Carpio's leadership, our Fort Garland site has been responsive to community needs and feedback and this funding will expand his team's capacity to continue their important work and meet the expanding needs of Fort Garland and the San Luis Valley." 

Requests for proposals for the geothermal and weatherizing efforts at Fort Garland will open later this fall, and work is expected to be completed by late 2025. Members of the public with questions, comments, or concerns about this project are encouraged to contact Eric Carpio, Chief Community Museum Officer and Director of Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center, at 719-379-3512 or eric.carpio@state.co.us. 

The museum is at 29477 state Highway 159, Fort Garland, and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.FortGarlandMuseum.org or call 719-379-3512, for more information.