It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Just when you thought winter couldn’t get any better, the Colorado Historical Society’s own State Historical Fund, together with the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, is once again bringing our informative workshops about grant application procedures and the State and National Registers of Historic Places to a town near you.  The workshops will focus on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these two programs.  As always, the workshops are free and open to the public.

As you may know, the SHF is a nationally recognized program that awards grants to public and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of preserving and interpreting Colorado’s historic architectural and archaeological resources.  Each year approximately one-fourth of the total state tax revenues generated by gaming is paid into the Fund.  These dollars are then redistributed for historic preservation throughout Colorado.  The types of projects funded include preservation of historic schools, theaters, and agricultural sites, as well as main street and urban redevelopment initiatives.  SHF grants are also awarded for educational programs, interpretation of historic byways, and archaeological analysis.  Currently, SHF’s staff of eighteen people administers approximately 625 individual grant projects totaling over $50 million.

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation assists property owners in listing Colorado’s historically and architecturally significant buildings, structures, and sites in the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.

Properties listed in the national or state register may be eligible for investment tax credits for approved rehabilitation projects.  Listed properties are also eligible to compete for grants from the State Historical Fund.  These grants may be used for acquisition and development, education, and survey and planning projects.

Because the programs (and therefore their guidelines and policies) grow and change frequently, almost anyone interested in the SHF or OAHP will learn a great deal during the short two-hour workshop.  “These workshops are useful and informative for first-time applicants as well as experienced preservationists,” explains Alyson McGee, SHF’s public outreach coordinator.  “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, so that we can help preserve a wide range of distinct historic sites for the people of Colorado and visitors to enjoy.”  Almost everyone is sure to learn something new during the presentations.

Workshop participants will learn about the types of projects funded by the SHF and the different historic designation options offered through the OAHP.  Answers to everyone’s most pressing questions, such as, “How much money is available for grants?” and “Who is in the most competitive position to apply for grants?” and many others, will be provided by SHF outreach specialists and OAHP historians.

Due to limited space, registration is required prior to attending the workshops.  For more information about the workshops or to register please call 303/866-2825.  Or visit our web site.  For press inquiries, please call Jennifer Cook at 303/866-2049.