The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission announced the launch of a new Historic Marker Program, a signature initiative that will place up to 150 new historic roadside markers across Colorado in recognition of the state’s 150th anniversary of statehood and the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Developed in partnership with History Colorado and funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the program offers communities across Colorado a unique opportunity to help tell the stories of their own places and people.
Local organizations, historians and residents are invited to identify, research and propose sites for historic markers that recognize important moments where they occurred — expanding the stories currently represented in Colorado’s historic marker system and ensuring that more voices and experiences are reflected across the state.
The initiative builds on Colorado’s existing network of markers, many of which were installed between the 1920s and early 2000s.
The commission’s signature initiative will modernize and expand the system while ensuring that more inclusive stories of Colorado’s diverse communities, cultures and landscapes are represented.
History Colorado will lead this effort as a multiyear legacy program, applying its expertise to guide research, review and implementation to ensure the markers accurately and with integrity reflect Colorado’s history.
“Historic markers are powerful reminders that history is not confined to museums — it lives in our communities,” said Robin Brown, America 250 - Colorado 150 commissioner. “As we recognize these dual anniversaries, this initiative gives Coloradans the opportunity to bring forward the stories that matter most to their communities and ensure they are shared and remembered for generations to come.”
Beginning in 2026, the Historic Marker Program will support the installation of 150 markers that highlight significant people, places and events in Colorado history.
Communities, historical societies, tribal representatives, local governments and organizations are encouraged to submit proposals identifying historically significant sites.
“Something special occurs when you encounter history where it actually happened. It’s often the best place to connect with our shared history,” said Jason Hanson, chief creative officer at History Colorado. “Colorado’s landscapes hold countless stories, and as the Centennial State commemorates its 150th anniversary, History Colorado is proud to support community efforts to share the place-based local stories that shaped our state.”
The initiative is funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Syracuse, N.Y., and the nation’s leading supporter of roadside historical marker programs.
Through this partnership, the Pomeroy Foundation provides grants that fully fund the fabrication of cast-aluminum historical markers, including the marker, pole and shipping, removing financial barriers and enabling communities across Colorado to share important local stories through durable markers placed where history happened.
“Historical markers help communities tell the stories that define them, bringing local history to life,” said Bill Pomeroy, founder and chairman of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. “For more than two decades, the Pomeroy Foundation has fully funded markers nationwide, each held to our gold standard of primary-source research and professional verification. Through our partnership, recognizing Colorado’s history, communities have the exciting opportunity to celebrate and commemorate their own stories.”
Organizations and communities interested in proposing a historic marker can begin by submitting an interest form and reviewing the required materials on the commission website.
Proposals will be accepted in multiple rounds beginning in 2026 for a seven-year period.
Round 1 proposal timeline
• Project submissions due: April 15.
• Notification of selections: early summer.
• Marker installation begins: late summer.
Proposals will be reviewed through a multistep process designed to ensure each historical marker is accurate, inclusive and supported by the local community.
Community members proposing a new marker submit historical documentation, primary sources and letters of support.
A History Colorado review board — made up of historians, state agency representatives and community experts — will evaluate each proposal for historical significance, accuracy and feasibility.
Proposals approved through this process will then be forwarded to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for final approval.
Once approved, the foundation will fund the production and shipping of the historical marker, while the submitting organization coordinates installation at the designated site.
Communities interested in participating can learn more, submit an interest form, and review program guidelines at Am250CO150.org, where individuals and organizations can also explore other signature initiatives and find ways to get involved in the statewide commemoration.
About the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commemoration
The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission is leading Colorado’s commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026.
Established by Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly, the commission brings together leaders from across the state to guide this historic milestone.
Through its campaign, “The View From Here,” the Commission invites all Coloradans to reflect on our shared history and imagine the future, recognizing Colorado’s unique legacy as the only state founded on the nation’s 100th birthday in 1876.
Working alongside state agencies, regional advisory panel members and local communities, the commission will showcase signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits and community-led events to inspire statewide engagement.
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