Don’t Let History Short-Circuit

Don’t Let History Short-Circuit: Powering the 1882 Courthouse

The 1882 Historic Chaffee County Courthouse has stood for more than 140 years as a symbol of justice, community, and resilience. Once the center of civic life, today it is home to the Buena Vista Heritage Museum — and one of the most beloved gathering spaces in the Upper Arkansas Valley.

From school field trips and homeschool programs to weekly dance classes, kendo practice, community lectures, concerts, and heritage events, the Courthouse continues to serve thousands of people each year. It is more than a museum; it is a living, breathing part of Buena Vista’s cultural life.

But the truth is stark: the Courthouse’s electrical system is dangerously outdated. Old wiring, limited panels, and insufficient capacity put the building at risk of failure and restrict our ability to keep this historic space open, safe, and vibrant. Without critical upgrades, the future of this National Register landmark is uncertain.

Why This Project Matters

• Safety for Today: Outdated electrical systems are not just inconvenient — they’re unsafe. The Courthouse must be brought to modern code to protect everyone who walks through its doors.

• Access for All: From children learning local history to seniors enjoying community dances, people of every age rely on this space. Without safe electrical capacity, public use is at risk.

• Preservation for Tomorrow: Once lost, historic landmarks cannot be replaced. This project safeguards a cornerstone of Buena Vista’s story for the next hundred years.

The Opportunity

Thanks to the Colorado State Historic Fund (SHF), Buena Vista Heritage is eligible for a major grant that will cover 75% of the total project cost. That means if we raise $30,000 in local matching funds, SHF will contribute $90,000 — quadrupling the impact of every gift.

• A gift of $50 becomes $200 invested in preservation.

• A gift of $100 becomes $400.

• A gift of $500 becomes $2,000.

This is the power of community partnership: your support today doesn’t just help — it multiplies.

Our Goal

To unlock the SHF grant, we must raise $30,000 in matching funds. Every dollar is critical. Without this match, the project cannot move forward, and the Courthouse will remain at risk.

Your gift will fund:

• Electrical Work ($21,000): Hiring licensed contractors to remove outdated wiring, upgrade panels, and bring the system up to code.

• Supplies & Equipment ($6,000): Conduit, wiring, panels, and fixtures required for installation.

• Permits & Safety ($3,000): Inspections, permitting, and contingency to ensure compliance and project completion.

Why Give Now?

Buena Vista Heritage has been preserving and sharing our community’s history for over 50 years. We operate three historic properties — the Courthouse Museum, the Depot & Caboose, and Turner Farm & Apple Orchard — all of which we keep open to the public by donation.

We do this because we believe history belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford a ticket. But keeping history alive takes resources, and for a project of this magnitude, we can’t do it without you.

The SHF grant is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make the Courthouse safe, functional, and sustainable for the future. If we don’t raise our match, we lose the $90,000 in state funds. The time to act is now.

Your Gift Powers History

When you give, you are:

• Protecting the safety of every child, parent, and community member who visits the Courthouse.

• Ensuring the continued use of this historic landmark for education, culture, and community gatherings.

• Leaving a legacy — preserving a piece of Colorado history that will stand long after we are gone.

Together, we can ensure the lights stay on, the doors stay open, and the Courthouse continues to inspire for another 140 years.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of this critical project. Every dollar you give unlocks three more from the State, multiplying your impact and making you a partner in preserving Buena Vista’s history.

Please help us raise the $30,000 needed to secure this vital grant. With your support, we will not only protect the Courthouse but also strengthen the future of our community.

Your generosity ensures that history will not short-circuit — it will shine brighter than ever.