Rangely council agrees to draft resolution for Dominguez–Escalante Expedition Day after museum request

Dan Fiscus, vice president of the Rangely Outdoor Museum, asked the Town Council to proclaim Sept. 9 as Dominguez–Escalante Expedition Day to highlight local historic sites and a museum exhibit tied to the 250th anniversary of the 1776 expedition.

Fiscus said the museum received a History Colorado grant for $7,500 to help create an exhibit (he estimated the total exhibit cost at about $10,000), plan parade participation and organize guided tours. He described archaeological evidence and a nearby inscription that link the 1776 expedition to the Rangely area, and said the designation would help publicize the museum’s events and encourage federal land managers to consider access. “We received a grant from History Colorado for $7,500,” Fiscus said, and described plans to appear in the September Fest parade.

Councilmember Tim Weber moved — and Jimmy Dylan seconded — to instruct staff to draft a resolution proclaiming Sept. 9, 2026 (and annually thereafter) as Dominguez–Escalante Expedition Day in Rangely; council approved the motion and asked the town manager and staff to prepare draft language for mayoral signature.

Why it matters: the proclamation is ceremonial but intended to boost the museum’s visibility for the 250th anniversary, support local tourism activities and coordinate community events such as a guided-tour weekend and parade participation.

Details noted in the meeting: the museum said much of the exhibit material is donated; the museum is working with Colorado Northwestern Community College on the exhibit; the museum plans to use period costumes and horses in the parade. Fiscus also cautioned that Bureau of Land Management access to some rock-art sites may require tribal signoff and that some sites are sensitive.