Silent auction supports NAHS On Friday, November 11, the Nederland Area Historical Society (NAHS) held a silent auction fundraiser at Salto Coffeehouse. The funds raised will be used to support the organization’s operational needs and towards preserving the historic archives. PHOTO BY JESSIE ANSARI[/caption]
On November 11, the Nederland Area Historical Society (NAHS) held a silent auction fundraiser at Salto Coffeehouse.
The glow from the patio fire pit beckoned visitors to the lively buzz of excitement inside. A full house mingled for a couple of hours, while they checked out tables laden with tempting things to bid on. Organizations and individuals from the Nederland area and beyond had come together for a cause and donated an incredible variety of top quality, unique goods and services. There were locally crafted jewelry, pilates and event packages, custom artist caps, fishing flies, signed books, antique postcards, tea sets, local food bundles, outdoor gear, artist prints, greeting cards, records, crocheted toys and afghans, gold and silver ore samples, toys and much more.
Delicious soups and grilled cheese were generously provided by Adventure Food Works, and the bar service by Salto staff was fast and friendly. Bidding went on for just over a couple of hours and although crowded, the atmosphere was relaxed as old friends met and new friends were made.
The NAHS needs to raise funds to cover its essential running costs. The iconic Steam Shovel costs over a thousand dollars in annual liability insurance fees alone. The Historical Society also pays for general maintenance and electricity bills for a local treasure, the Gillaspie House Museum, where it supports educational events throughout the year. This includes free museum tours to local elementary school classes. One issue of importance to tackle soon includes emergency repairs to the roof of the Ice House (the historic structure behind the Steam Shovel). NAHS needs to raise matching funds for a restoration grant to proceed.
Another project underway is the digitization of the NAHS archives. The Board has been intently inventorying and working on raising funds to pursue a digitization grant. The goal is to preserve the current local history archives digitally and then to be able to share the searchable documents and photos freely with the community and beyond. The Board is collaborating with the Nederland Community Library and The Mountain-Ear to make this happen.
Why should we care about historical preservation anyway? Well, for one, it provides a link to the roots of the community and its people. By looking at our histories, we can share a common sense of humanity. In a time when much of the world is becoming more homogeneous, we’re seeing that communities that take steps to preserve their culture also do well in terms of historical tourism, an increasingly popular meaning for travel. Our heritage includes structures, art and other significant objects, but also our stories, customs and beliefs. A better understanding of our history is a good way to learn about how our current existence came to be.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, the NAHS Silent Auction raised much-needed funds to cover some of these costs, but the continued success of the projects depends on the volunteer commitment and involvement. The more people who step up to assist with events, newsletter creation, grant writing, docent shifts, inventorying, digitizing and fundraising, the more likely it is that the Nederland area will be able to maintain its strong sense of cultural and historical character and identity for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Email nederlandhistory@gmail.com to get involved.
The Nederland Area Historical Society has two locations:
The Bucyrus Steam Shovel is located at 81 W. 2nd Street, Nederland. The Gillaspie House Museum is located at 363 N Bridge Street, Nederland. The NAHS may be contacted by mail at PO Box 1252, Nederland, CO 80466. You can also reach them by email at nederlandhistory@gmail.com or phone at 720-514-9777.
Sponsored by the Town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
