MEDIA CONTACT:
Angelika Albaladejo, Manager of Communications and Public Relations
720-541-2334 | hc_media@state.co.us

Section 106 requires federal agencies to consult and consider negative effects to historic resources in the path of proposed projects. The Council’s proposed changes are sweeping, including consolidating decision-making authority at the federal level, weakening consultation with state and Tribal governments and local communities, and reducing what is considered “historic” in ways that will exclude traditional cultural places and threaten rural historic districts.

In response to this news, the Board of Directors for History Colorado, home to the state’s preservation programs, has released this statement:

The draft revisions from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation erode the shared national intention of the National Historic Preservation Act, which is our commitment to preserve the places that are important to the American people. 

Congress specifically passed the National Historic Preservation Act as a collaboration among federal, state, Tribal governments, and local communities with the understanding that those who are closest to these sites and resources have the most knowledge and should be consulted.

The proposed revisions undermine the right of Tribes, states, local governments, descendant communities, and the public to have a say in how federal projects impact the places where Americans live. 

Whether you live in an urban or rural community, local decision-making and including local voices is a core Colorado value. Yet, the clearest objective of these revisions is to weaken opportunities for public input about what history we preserve and what impacts our communities.

Especially as we reflect on the important anniversaries of this year – America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th, we cannot support any effort that devalues the voices of Colorado communities and Tribal nations, imperils the irreplaceable places that form our heritage and culture, dismisses the knowledge of Tribes and descendants, and betrays our obligations to preserve the important history of our nation. 

As the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation approaches the deadline of their unassembled vote by 5 pm this Friday, July 24, we urge Council members to not move forward on any revisions that dilute or detract from direct and meaningful consultation with states, Tribes, and local governments – engaging the voices and expertise of those most directly impacted.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a 146-year-old institution that offers access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites. As an agency of the State of Colorado and a non-profit organization, History Colorado is committed to serving all Coloradans through generational work that centers communities, deepens knowledge and catalyzes the transformative power of history.

History Colorado is also home to a free public research center, people-centered preservation work done by the State Historical Fund and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the State Archaeologist, the State Historians Council, and many other community-driven public history projects such as the Museum of Memory. History Colorado stewards more than 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages each year. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado