We are Passionate about Preservation
Historic Boulder, Inc. believes that to truly understand where we are and where we are going, it is necessary to know from where we have come. Boulder’s history is rich and interesting. The physical structures built–and places created–by those who lived here before us speak to us in ways that words cannot. Preservation of these places contribute to the remarkable spirit of Boulder.
Local lore says Chief Niwot pronounced, “People seeing the beauty of this valley will want to stay, and their staying will be the undoing of the beauty.” Call it a curse. Call it a prediction. Call it an urban legend. Many visitors do wind up moving here after a visit, so it’s up to us to make sure we continue to respect the beauty of our land, our neighbors, and the history of Boulder Valley.
We take a critical look at our shared past and to make these stories available for the edification and enjoyment of the citizens of our fair city. We strive to breathe life into our history, to shine a light on where we started and to celebrate the builders and those who toiled in making the city what it is today.
We hope you enjoy our programs and encourage you to become a member to help strengthen our efforts and to share our past with us.
HISTORIC BOULDER’S
PRESERVATION HERO
JOYCE DAVIES
Founder of Historic Boulder, Inc.
Joyce Davies was instrumental in the area of historic preservation in Boulder. In an interview she recounts the founding of Historic Boulder, describing the history of the organization, her involvement in it, how it is funded and operated, and plans for the future.
ANSWERS TO YOUR
FAQ
This event at Columbia Cemetery happens every other year, in even numbered years, on a Sunday in mid-October. It is a joint program with the City of Boulder and Historic Boulder: check our events calendar for the latest. This year 2026 Meet the Spirits will be on October 3rd and 4th!
This question should be directed to the City of Boulder’s Historic Preservation program: bouldercolorado.gov/government/departments/historic-preservation
Historic Boulder, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to foster the spirit and promote the benefits of historic preservation – we have no regulatory authority.
No! Historic Boulder, Inc. was founded in 1972 in order to save historic buildings from demolition and we have worked to preserve the built environment in Boulder for the past 50 years. The Boulder Historical Society was founded in 1947, formerly operated as the Boulder History Museum and is now doing business as the Museum of Boulder.
Historic Boulder’s mission focus is on the preservation of buildings, structures and places in and around Boulder county. Photos that document the architectural history of buildings and streetscapes are of great interest to us, but we are not set up as a repository for original photos or documents. We want these photos to be accessible to researchers and historians like us, so we encourage you to donate them to either the:
1. Carnegie Library for Local History: localhistory.boulderlibrary.org/Carnegie-collection-policy
2. Museum of Boulder:
museumofboulder.org/donate-to-the-collection
