2024 GCHA President’s Report
B. Travis Wright, MPS‘s 2024 GCHA President’s Report for the Grand County Historical Association was presented on November 19, 2024.
Good evening, GCHA friends, supporters, volunteers, board members, and members of the public—
It continues to be an honor to serve as President of the Board of the Grand County Historical Association, especially during this remarkable year: our 50th anniversary, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Grand County and the golden jubilee of Cozens Ranch.
This year, we commemorated the county’s anniversary with support from Grand County Government, Sky-Hi News, and KFFR. GCHA has secured $35,000 in grants year-to-date, marking a $6,000 increase over 2023, and we’ve hosted over 40 events at our museums, bringing our community together to celebrate and honor our shared history. Income from camps, programs, and events has risen by $3,000 over last year, furthering our ability to serve our mission.
In addition to our ongoing efforts to protect, preserve, and restore the county’s historic structures, we’ve expanded our initiatives this year. We finalized an agreement with the Legacy Park Ranch Historical Association, fostering greater collaboration, and deepened our connections with the Town of Fraser, where historic structures belonging to the Cozens family reside, strengthening community ties and partnerships with local government. We are also actively pursuing a grant with the State Historical Fund to begin essential work on the Kremmling Depot. Our commitment to preserving and expanding our artifact collection remains steadfast, and we’re partnering with Sky-Hi News and the Grand County Library District to digitize our historic newspaper collection—an exciting project that will safeguard these valuable records for future generations.
This progress would not be possible without the remarkable dedication of Shanna, Samantha, and Laura, who continue to bring new energy to our collections and programs. Their efforts in research, preservation, and community outreach make a daily difference in advancing our mission, and I thank each of them for their unwavering commitment to Grand County’s history.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the GCHA Board, whose guidance and dedication ensure that our mission continues to thrive. Their support, vision, and steadfast commitment to preserving Grand County’s heritage are truly invaluable. The board’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating challenges and pursuing new opportunities, and it is a privilege to work alongside each of them.
As we face a projected deficit of $65,000, largely due to an $85,000 decrease in donations compared to last year, we are reminded of the tremendous impact that each supporter has on preserving our shared history. Celebrating our 50th anniversary, the 150th anniversary of Grand County, and the golden jubilee of Cozens Ranch fills us with optimism and energy to continue safeguarding the stories, landmarks, landscapes, and artifacts that define Grand County’s unique legacy. We invite you to join us in this journey by making a jumbo anniversary-sized donation to ensure that our past inspires and strengthens our community’s future.
With your support, we can keep Grand County’s vibrant history thriving—preserved, celebrated, and ready to inspire for generations to come. Thank you for being a vital part of this legacy and for making history with us.
My best regards,
B. Travis Wright, MPS
November 19, 2024
