Long before the town formed the Historic Preservation Board, the San Juan Historical Society was formed.
According to the society’s website, Virginia Decker wrote, “In 1970, Glenn Edmonds put a notice in The Pagosa Springs SUN that there would be a meeting in the R.E.A. Building for anyone who might be interested in starting a Museum to preserve old historical records and items.”
For years, the historical society has focused on preserving the history of Archuleta County along with running the local museum. As Decker wrote, “We hope it will last through the years to come, and hope that everyone will help to preserve the ‘Good Ole Days.’”
The group saw the value of preserving the past for the future of our community.
Several years ago, the society had plans drawn up and worked to garner support to expand the museum and restore the historic waterworks structure where the museum is located. Unfortunately, those efforts were not successful.
Today, the historical society struggles to keep its doors open and has reached out to ask the community for help, both with manpower and finances. On May 23, they will open their doors for the season with a unique quilt display featuring the works of Navajo artist Susan Hudson.
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