By Margaret Gallegos
Special to The PREVIEW
Historic Preservation Month is celebrated nationally during the month of May, and is a tradition in the state of Colorado and in Pagosa Springs.
The Town of Pagosa Springs Historic Preservation Board will host and facilitate historic preservation workshops and events during May to highlight and raise awareness about the preservation of Pagosa Springs’ unique social, economic and diverse cultural heritage.
Historic Preservation Board members Brad Ash, Peggy Bergon, Chrissy Karas, Judy James and Andre Redstone would like to encourage you to take part in and enjoy as many national, state and local historic preservation activities as possible during the month of May.
The local events will provide you, your family and guests with excellent opportunities to learn about Pagosa’s past, share in its history and celebrate its diverse cultural heritage, architecture and economy.
To experience pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, events will take place at the Fred Harman Art Museum, Chimney Rock National Monument and the Pagosa Springs History Museum. Also, new historic designation plaques will be displayed at the Metropolitan Hotel, owned by Nettie and Danny Wood, located at 422 Pagosa St., and the Phillips’ house, owned by Susan Winter-Ward, located at 138 Pagosa St.
Activities added to this year’s events to highlight Pagosa Springs’ history include:
“The West,” eight weeks of documentary films about the American old west, shown at the historic Liberty Theatre each Tuesday evening through May 26.
Certificates of appreciation will be presented to Bryson Rentals and Riff Raff Brewing Company at 5 p.m. on May 14 at the Riff Raff Brewing Company.
A public presentation forum about “The Benefits of Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism” will be held in Pagosa Springs with representatives from the State Historic Colorado tax credit program and tourism office at a date to be announced.
Returning annual events include the student poster contest, a downtown walking tour on May 17 and the Pagosa Springs Car Show May 15-17.
We hope to see you out and about in Pagosa Springs during the Historic Preservation Month of May. For a complete schedule of activities, please visit the building and planning department at Town Hall, located at 551 Hot Springs Blvd., call us at 264-4151 or access our website at www.townofpagosasprings.com.
