Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historical Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wellington Main Street volunteers form historical preservation committee to document downtown history
Summary
On the Town of Wellington podcast 'Around the Well,' Main Street volunteers described forming a historical preservation committee to document downtown buildings, collect photos and run walking tours. They cited a 25-building survey (2017–2019), asked residents to share photos and offered a contact email for volunteers.
On the Town of Wellington podcast Around the Well, host Jerry Martin spoke with volunteers who are organizing a historical preservation committee to document and share Wellington's past.
The committee, led by Melanie Murphy, president of the Main Street Board and chair of the historical preservation committee, aims to collect photos, oral histories and building records so future generations can access an accurate record of the town. "We are just a group of local people that are insistent that we preserve our history," Murphy said.
The episode framed preservation as both a civic resource and a way to strengthen community ties. Annie Lindgren, former executive director of the Wellington Main Street program, recalled that the program completed "25 building surveys that were completed during that time" while she led the effort (2017–2019) under a Colorado State Historical Society grant. Lindgren said gaps remain in the photographic record and invited long‑time residents to share pictures and stories to fill those gaps.
Guests described several ways the work benefits the town: walking tours and interpretive signage planned for downtown Cleveland Avenue, stories for local publications and a digital tour available through the Districts app (part of Locable). Melanie Murphy said the committee helped organize past walking tours tied to Main Street anniversaries and wants to expand tours and signage to make local history visible to residents and visitors alike.
Panelists also offered local anecdotes that illustrate the committee’s mission. Mark Gabbard, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, referenced Byron 'Whizzer' White as a notable Wellington native whose biography the group uses to encourage younger residents. Melanie Murphy described a 2000 mammoth‑remains discovery that contributed to the town mascot and local identity.
Practical next steps were highlighted for residents who want to help: volunteers can join the committee’s email list by contacting wellingtonmainstreetco@gmail.com. The podcast notes list the Main Street website, the Downtown Wellington historic tour in the Districts app (Locable), and a transcript at tinyurl.com/tow-tour; printed copies are available at Owl Canyon Coffee, 3745 West Cleveland Avenue.
The episode closed with the group encouraging community participation — sharing photos, attending tours and contributing stories — and with a promise that more information about the historical preservation committee will appear on the Main Street website.
