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Supporting History State Historical Fund WorkshopsOriginally published in Colorado History NOW, July/August 2006 Leave your power tools at home—you won’t need them yet. But grab your thinking cap, a pencil, and a calculator because all good preservation projects begin with a well-thought out plan and a good budget. And of course, a good grant application. Learn the ins and outs, the do’s and don’ts, and some helpful tips for writing a competitive State Historical Fund grant application at any of several workshops to be held across Colorado this summer. The term “workshop” has been bandied about the SHF offices for years. But “info-session” might be more appropriate, or perhaps “strategy meeting.” Whatever the moniker, the purpose of the workshops is what counts—to get the latest information out to those interested in the State Historical Fund. We schedule semiannual workshops in order to provide assistance to prospective applicants about six weeks prior to the April or October 1st deadlines for general grant applications (though no time is really too early to begin the process). Typically, we hold workshops in past or current SHF-funded project locations. We’ve conducted them in community centers, one-room school houses, theaters, and even an electric bus. The program has evolved from direct readings from the guidelines to illustrated PowerPoint presentations. An interpretive dance, however, is still in the works. And though we won’t send you out the door with a completed application, a workshop is the proper forum to discuss concerns and options with SHF application staff and preservation specialists or to ask questions about State and National Register nominations with staff historians. The SHF holds about a dozen workshops throughout the state during the summer. Attendance is free, though reservations are suggested so we know how much material we need and in order to help presenters cater their advice to the audience. From Springfield to Maybell and from Towaoc to Julesburg the SHF road show will soon be arriving in a town near you. Tool belts are optional. BY LYLE MILLER, SHF Outreach Specialist
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