Historic Denver

As one of the nation’s premier nonprofit urban preservation organizations, Historic Denver, Inc. works every day to promote and protect Denver’s historic places and spaces. Founded in 1970, Historic Denver believes Denver’s historic assets are part of its cultural fabric and essential to a diverse, dynamic, and distinctive city — and that everyone should see themselves in the story of their city through its places.

Through technical assistance, grants, project management, easement donations, and public programs, Historic Denver invests in the historic places and neighborhoods that are key to our city’s identity.  These efforts among others help tell the stories of generations of Denverites. 

Historic Denver is an advocate and resource for preserving Denver’s significant historic fabric, its distinctive architecture, and its cultural landscapes, all of which are tangible reflections of our heritage. Embracing existing buildings, looking at the possibilities for adaptive reuse, valuing the materials and natural resources that went into their construction, and blending the historic context of a place with new investment are powerful ways to respect the community’s sense of place and the stories that make the city what it is as it grows and evolves.

Since its inception Historic Denver has been the steward of the award-winning Molly Brown House Museum, one of the leading women’s history sites in the nation. In 1970 a group of preservation-minded Denver citizens joined efforts to rescue the home of Titanic survivor Margaret Tobin Brown. The group began major restoration efforts to return the home’s interior and exterior to its early 20th century grandeur.  With more than 45,000 annual visitors, the Museum provides meaningful experiences and educational programs that connect the past and present. 

Historic Denver has led the way in recognizing historic places of people of color by supporting and assisting community efforts, building trusted relationships, and developing innovative preservation strategies that support authenticity and affordability, preservation, and access.  La Alma Lincoln Park Cultural Historic District is among the first such districts to recognize and value 150 years of Hispanic, Chicano/a, and Latino/a work and leadership in Denver.  Integrating community development and culture in a meaningful way fosters a sense of belonging and healing and has an impact on generations to come.