Consultants report progress on Boulder County Latinx and Chicano historic-context project; community kickoff set

Consultants Rebecca (Becky) Chavez and Josie Martinez of Rooted Pathways Leadership and Alyssa Rios, cultural resource program coordinator for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, briefed the Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Dec. 4 about phase 1 of a Latinx and Chicano historic-context study focused on relationship-building, community interviews and early archival research.

“We invested significant time in project management, identifying primary sources, and connecting Elizabeth with community members to begin building trust,” Chavez said, describing three-and-a-half months of outreach that prioritized community trust over producing a full historic-context report in phase 1.

Presenters described outreach at community events (including Day of the Dead) and meetings with Spanish‑speaking parent groups in the Saint Vrain Valley School District. They reported site visits to Las Barracas and the Colorado Railroad Museum, meetings with community historians such as Frank Archuleta, and contact with History Colorado staff about National Register nominations and potential grant opportunities.

The project launched a public website to share updates and contact information; Chavez said a QR code and a link were posted for the virtual kickoff. The community kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. on Zoom; presenters said they had 42 RSVPs and that simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided. Student research assistants working on designated landmark sites will present their findings to county staff in a virtual session expected Dec. 15 (likely 9–11 a.m.).

Chavez said phase 2 will begin Jan. 5 and run through July 30, focusing on strengthening partnerships, expanding historical research and beginning a draft historic-context report. Presenters acknowledged challenges: the project’s original scope was large for a short contract, community meetings often require time-consuming relationship work, and resource limitations mean the team will proceed in phases and adapt the study’s temporal and geographic boundaries with community feedback.

Josie Martinez said translation and native‑language outreach have been central to recruitment and engagement. Alyssa Rios noted that the Traquero and Bracero histories identified during museum and archival visits provided useful local context for understanding Mexican and Mexican‑American labor histories in northern Colorado.

The board welcomed the update and was invited to attend the kickoff and the student presentations.