We are on a roll! Buena Vista Heritage has been able to accomplish a great deal thanks to every single member/donor. With the help of our volunteers, sponsors, and donors, we have made significant progress on the restoration work to the Old County Courthouse, as well as the Turner Farm & Apple Orchard. I am proud to announce we have completed Phases I, II, and III. Our lovely courthouse has a new metal roof, gutter/drainage system, wrought iron around the widow's walk with a completely restored Cupola, and finally, 6 restored windows and the entry doors. Our current grant is for renovating the entire courtroom, and that project will include 7 more windows.
Buena Vista Heritage has recently applied for the 5th grant, which will be awarded in December 2022, from the History Colorado State Historical Fund. This grant will be used to upgrade several critical room electrical systems and address other critical problems in those rooms. The funding received from the State Historical Fund grants is crucial to the preservation of our town's history. This reality brings to light the importance of protecting buildings of historic significance - because once a piece of history is gone, it is lost forever.
If you would like to make a donation to our organization for the courthouse renovation, collection development, operating support, or an endowment for a BVH property under restoration,
simply mail your check to P.O. Box 1414, Buena Vista, CO 81211.We can also accept your donation
by credit card online below. If your donation is in honor or memory of someone, please indicate that so we may acknowledge the gift appropriately.
Help with matching funds for the courthouse renovation.
Help us maintain our operations, including the BV Heritage Museum.
Ensure the longevity of BV Heritage.
We're raising money to expand the exhibits in the freight room.
Help maintain the Turner Farm.
Collection Items
If you have items to donate to our collection -- illustrating local history, including agriculture, mining, domestic life, or railroads, Buena Vista Heritage would be pleased to receive them. Please
contact us at your convenience.
BequestsThere are many ways to support Buena Vista Heritage. One of the simplest is a bequest. It is also the most enduring way to leave a legacy for yourself or a loved one.
Making a provision in your will for Buena Vista Heritage is a simple process. Bequests can be included when your will is created, or they can be added and updated later by a codicil. The following language may be used in your will when providing a specific bequest for our organization:
I give, devise and bequeath to Buena Vista Heritage, a nonprofit corporation located in Chaffee County, Colorado, the sum of $__________.If you prefer to state a specific purpose for which your bequest is to be used, please keep in mind that our programs and projects change over time. However, it is our desire that you feel confident your funds be used to benefit the areas you care about the most.
We would be honored to help you craft a bequest that will achieve your objectives. While not necessary, sharing your plans with us during your lifetime gives you a fuller opportunity to decide how your gift can best be used and could encourage others to make similar gifts. We also would like the opportunity to recognize you for your generosity.
If you would like to discuss including Buena Vista Heritage in your estate plans, please contact Lisa Wagner at
buenavistaheritage@msn.com.
Gifts of StocksGifts of stock (or other appreciated property) entitle you to a tax deduction for the market value of the donated stock. If the stock you wish to donate has been held for more than one year, you can avoid capital gains tax on any appreciation of the stock by donating the stock prior to the sale. Buena Vista Heritage benefits by selling the stock without paying taxes on the gain, and you benefit from making a contribution that would be larger than what you might have been able to donate in cash.
Charitable Gift AnnuitiesA charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a life-income gift: a charity (like BVH), in return for a transfer of cash, marketable securities or other assets, agrees to pay a fixed amount of money to the donor (like you), for their lifetime. Both Buena Vista Heritage and you can benefit from life income gifts.