Heritage & Culture

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Pagosa Springs is a town full of stories, history, and traditions that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Our Heritage & Culture projects bring that history to life in fun, interactive ways, helping everyone—whether a longtime local or first-time visitor—connect with the past while looking to the future.

Whether you’re exploring our rich heritage through oral histories, walking tours, or celebrating historic preservation, there’s something exciting happening around every corner.

What We’re Working On

Oral History Project

One of the key highlights of our program is the oral history project, where we’re gathering stories from locals—whether they’ve lived here for decades or just a few months. By sharing these personal accounts, we’re creating a living, breathing record of our community’s experiences, challenges, and triumphs that will be passed down for generations to come.

Want to get involved?

We’d love to have you join us! Whether you’d like to share your story, conduct interviews, or help behind the scenes with transcription, coordination, or outreach, there’s a role for everyone. No experience needed—just a love for local history and a willingness to listen or be heard.

Reach out to Main Street Coordinator Kathleen McFadden at Kat@PagosaSpringsCDC.org or call (970) 264-3023 to jump in!

Historical Preservation Month

Every May, we shine a spotlight on the people, places, and stories that shape Pagosa Springs. Historic Preservation Month is our time to celebrate the unique character of our downtown through articles, storytelling, and community events.

In 2025, we’re especially excited to support the grand re-opening of the Pagosa Springs History Museum over Memorial Day weekend—a perfect opportunity to reconnect with our shared past and see history come to life.

Check out our recent articles in The Pagosa Sun:

From museum milestones to personal memories, these stories help preserve what makes Pagosa Springs truly one of a kind.

America 250 / Colorado 150

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary—and Colorado will mark 150 years of statehood. These two milestone anniversaries, known as America 250 and Colorado 150, offer an exciting opportunity to reflect on our shared history and shape how we tell our community’s story for generations to come.

We’re aligning all our Heritage & Culture efforts with this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. From oral histories and walking tours to historic preservation and museum partnerships, our projects are laying the groundwork for a meaningful, local contribution to this national and state commemoration. It’s all about honoring our past, engaging our community, and proudly representing Pagosa Springs on the big stage in 2026.

Stay tuned—there’s more to come as we get closer to this historic year!

Preserving the Past, Investing in the Future:
Historic Tax Credits Offer Win-Win for Pagosa Springs

Historic buildings in our community are more than old bricks and timber. They are living artifacts that tell the stories of our past and offer potential for vibrant future use. Whether it’s a storefront on Pagosa Street or a cherished legacy property waiting for new life, financial tools are available to help property owners invest in preservation.

One of the most powerful incentives available is Colorado’s Commercial Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. This program offers a 20–35% tax credit for eligible rehabilitation expenses on historic commercial buildings, depending on location. Even better, this state credit can be paired with a 20% federal tax credit, dramatically reducing the cost of bringing a historic building back to life.

Eligible projects must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and meet a few key requirements:

Minimum of $20,000 in eligible expenses
Must be income-producing or have the potential to generate revenue
Ownership by private, nonprofit, or municipal entity
The building must be designated as historic (or potentially eligible for designation)

Here’s the best part: tax credits aren’t just for those with a state income tax liability. For nonprofits or others without that tax burden, the credits can often be sold for cash, making them an attractive funding source for underutilized historic spaces.

The Pagosa Springs Main Street Program’s Heritage & Culture Committee is actively working to increase awareness of tools like these that can protect our heritage while supporting revitalization and economic development. Whether you’re a property owner with a project in mind or simply curious about what’s possible, the Committee is here to help.

To learn more or explore whether your project might be eligible, reach out to the Pagosa Springs Main Street Heritage & Culture Committee or contact James Dickhoff with the Town of Pagosa Springs Planning Department, (970) 264-4151 ext. 225.

Let’s preserve what makes Pagosa special — and make smart investments in our shared future.