About us - Fremont County Heritage Commission - Resolution and Mission (in draft)

In support of Fremont Counties significant resources , Fremont County has resolved to:

• Protect and celebrate our heritage

• Use our historic assets for economic development and community revitalization

• Encourage local citizens and visitors to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs. 

In order to push forward on our resolution, Fremont County will establish a Commission to advise the county commissioners on matters of historic preservation and heritage tourism.  The commission concept originated through an application by Fremont County to become a Preserve America Community. Fremont County applied in November of 2007 and was given this prestigeous designation on February 8, 2008.

The purpose and mission of the Commission are in draft as of May 1, 2008

Preserve, Celebrate and enhance the education for Fremont County's rich historic heritage.

Previously described purposes of the Commission/Avisory Board is to:

• support, encourage, and bring together diverse interests that:

• Stimulate interest in understanding and protecting our unique heritage.

• Enable local citizens to experience, appreciate, and celebrate our historic resources.

• Developing sustainable heritage tourism programs that stimulate economic development and community revitalization yet compliment the core values of our communities.

Previously described mission statements of the Commission/Advisory Board are to:

• Improve communications and coordination between existing heritage preservation and tourism groups and museums while not infringing on their individual autonomy and competitiveness. Maintain an awareness of and encourage communications with regional, state, and nationwide heritage preservation and tourism groups.
• Enhance heritage preservation and tourism volunteer programs, memberships, and non profit boards through information and training.

• Develop a strong understanding of potential funding sources for priority projects, programs, or events and help facilitate and encourage efforts to secure grant funding. 

• Identify tools and resources to assist various heritage tourism and preservation efforts.

• Record and celebrate accomplishments through various public settings.

Members of this Commision represent the following interests:

• Canon City
• Florence
• Penrose
• Western Fremont County
• Heritage Group (four canon city museums and maybe Florence Pioneer Museum?)
• Heritage Education
• Heritage Tourism
• Ex Officio representation from Canon City, Florence, and possible other governmental entities

Previously described representation included:

• Fremont County Commission
• Economic Development and community revitalization
• Historic preservation
• Heritage tourism with an emphasis on our local museums and heritage organizations
• Resources with an emphasis on geology, paleontology, and archaeology and resource development with a focus on mines, water pipelines, ditches, and oil and gas wells:
• Communities and rural areas with an emphasis on historic downtowns, ranches, farms, and prisons
• Local school districts with a focus on K-12 education programs.
• College,library, and other educational resources
• transportation with an emphasis on railroads, bridges, and roads

The Commission will be assisted by :

(all of these described earlier and may or may not be applicable)

• an executive director (team) appointed by the county commissioners that assists the board with agendas, minutes, and general plans.
• Support teams for each board member representing their interest group
• local friends groups where needed and not currently represented (i.e. mines)
• A website to house information.

The Commision is in the process of being developed.  When complete, Commissionmembers names and organization information will be posted!