May 12 Article/The SIGNATURE

 It is true that our futures mean nothing without our histories, but I also believe our histories mean little without our futures. In that regard, I have very good news for you: our future is looking bright. On May 9^th, Irene Heikes and Marie Ortivez brought La Veta’s 5^th and 6^th graders to help clean up the grounds of the museum, and oh what a day we had! What an OUTSTANDING group of kids, three of them even called home and asked permission to stay after school to help finish the job … and they brought a little brother, too! In addition to working on the grounds, the kids got to “test out” the Old Time Photo studio, and what a bunch of hams! A special salute to Mrs. Ortivez who is obviously respected by the kids; she managed them beautifully.

As long as we’re talking futures, I’ve got more good news! I am pleased to announce Francisco Fort Museum will feature four new exhibits for the 2011 season. Additionally, there will be an extended and reorganized Ranching exhibit.  I would like to invite each of you to visit these exhibits on May 21^st from 3-5pm for FREE. Please note: the new exhibits only will be open for admission this day, with the rest of the museum opening for the season Memorial Day weekend. Please join us to celebrate the beginning of our best season yet!

Then, from 6-8pm the same day, join the museum staff and board for an evening of “Museum Music”, at The Parkside. Special guests will perform music, drinks and appetizers will be served, and merry toasts for La Veta’s legacy will made! Tickets are $25 in advance (cash, check, or credit) or $30 at the door (cash or checks only). Please call 742-5501 for more information, or to RSVP.  Proceeds will benefit the museum.

I cannot wait to meet with all of you as we honor our community’s history.

MAY 5th Article, as seen in THE SIGNATURE

From the Director’s Desk …

I am two months in and still lovin’ it! There is so much to be done for opening weekend at Francisco Fort Museum, and it keeps me excited and always offers something new. Plus, who doesn’t love waking up each morning and driving into such a scenic area? I am spoiled!

As easy as it would be to fill up an entire newspaper with all that is going on, I will be doing my best to choose something each week that I think it particularly news-worthy. This week, I wanted to spend some time pointing out the changes that are almost all in place for the 2011 gift shop.

The aim for this season was to insure a focused and organized gift shop area. The merchandise this year has been scaled down to allow for an easy, organized shopping experience. There will be five main offerings for our visitors: an old time photo studio and old time candy shop, custom mugs, a children’s corner, and apparel.  The wonderful thing about this approach is that the shop will offer something for La Veta citizens all summer long. Even the resident that has already been through the museum can still come down for quality snacks or invite a house guest to pose for a fun keepsake photo at our studio.

Of particular note is our brand new apparel line, Declaration Clothing Company. Declaration Clothing Company is based out of Denver, and has been a web-based company until recent agreements with Francisco Fort Museum. I am very excited to announce we are the first retail location for this line, and will receive the added benefits of being listed as such on all Declaration Clothing Company web efforts. Owner Douglas Reilly, “The decision to name Francisco Fort Museum Gift Shop as Declaration’s first retail outlet just made sense; our clothing is about Colorado pride, and locals as well as visitors will be appreciating just that as they explore Colorado history”.

I am officially inviting all of you to CHECK IT OUT!  Be watching for information regarding a La Veta Open House, May 21^st. Come get your picture taken in a wacky cowboy hat, fill up a paper bag with good old-fashioned candy, and sport your Colorado pride with one of Declaration Clothing Company’s great logos!

Jennifer Nackerud

Get Info

Hello! Please check out www.franciscofortmuseum.com for our newly post summer hours and information! And check back tomorrow for the first edition of "From the Director's Desk", published weekly in The Signature, and now on our blog! :)

The Director's Diary

Hello Folks, my name is Jennifer Nackerud, and I am Francisco Fort Museum's new director. My aim is to insure that our museum maintains its historical and local significance, while serving as a great spot for tourists and families from all over the world. In the upcoming months and years, this blog will serve as a resource for the "latest and greatest" at our wonderful museum.

- JNACK