The Museums of Western Colorado will recognize the community’s leading individuals and groups contributing to the preservation and protection of our community’s heritage at the Sixth Annual Heritage Awards, March 6, hosted at the Museums of Western Colorado’s Whitman Educational Center, 248 4th St. The program will begin with a 5:30pm reception, followed by a 6-8pm awards ceremony. This unique event will also include entertainment by local cowboy poets Terry Nash, a top five finalist for the last four years for Western Music Association Male Cowboy Poet of the Year, Nona Kelley Carver, a native Coloradan who refers to her poetry as “fiction with a few facts thrown in,” and “Pickin Peggy” Malone, 2016 Colorado Country Music Hall Of Fame Female Vocalist of the year.
Recognition will be given seven categories: • Archeological Award – For distinguished and long-term efforts to further public understanding and appreciation of the archeological heritage of Mesa County and Colorado’s Western Slope. • George Callison Paleontological Award – For distinguished and long-term efforts to further public understanding and appreciation of the paleontological heritage of Mesa County and Colorado’s Western Slope. • Historian Award – For distinguished and long-term efforts to further understanding and appreciation of the history of Mesa County and Colorado’s Western Slope. • Preservation Award – For distinguished and long-term efforts to preserve Mesa County’s architectural treasures. • Heritage Enterprise Award – Recognizing a business enterprise for efforts in preservation of Mesa County’s heritage. • Partners in Heritage Award – For collaborative work with the Museums of Western Colorado to preserve Mesa County’s heritage. • Museum Service Award – For meritorious efforts by an individual, group or organization in support of the Museums’ mission and vision.
Museum Executive Director Peter Booth says, “The Museum’s mission is to help the community preserve its heritage and tell its story – a significant undertaking that relies on the involvement of others in the community, either as individuals or collectively. It is an honor and privilege for the Museum to recognize the community’s leading individuals and groups contributing so significantly to protecting and preserving our community’s heritage, and we invite the community to join us for this special recognition.” Recipients of each of the seven Heritage Award categories will receive a hand turned Aspen wood vase made specifically for this event by Don Kerven, Museums of Western Colorado’s Facilities Director. This event is sponsored in part by Whitewater Hill Winery. For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.museumofwesternco.com or contact Booth at 970-241-0971 x2204.
Discover Together at the Museums of Western Colorado! The Museums of Western Colorado is a nonprofit organization operating Dinosaur Journey, Museum of the West and Cross Orchards historic site, striving to inspire the community to preserve its heritage and tell its story through strong stewardship and relevant programming.
