Historic Denver, Inc.

Historic Denver's Organizational History:
Historic Denver, Inc. was founded by citizens increasingly alarmed at the loss of the city's historic fabric due to urban renewal and insensitive development. The primary catalyst for the group's efforts, led by Ann Love, the late wife of Governor John Love, was the demolition of the Moffat Mansion in Capitol Hill and the threatened loss of Margaret Tobin "Molly" Brown's former home in the same neighborhood. Their initiative led to the founding of Historic Denver, Inc., and the establishment of the Molly Brown House Museum in 1970. Today, Historic Denver is one of the nation's premier urban historic preservation organizations representing more than 1,900 individual and business members.

Over the last 30 years, Historic Denver has invested over $20 million directly into the community and into the preservation of its distinctive architecture, unique neighborhoods, and diverse cultural landscapes. In the past year, Historic Denver successfully advocated for the passage of landmark ordinances for the Baker Neighborhood and a unique district of 43 buildings in Downtown Denver. Additionally, the organization partnered with FaithAction to become a program of Historic Denver working to protect Denver's sacred places. Historic Denver also received a 2000 National Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its work landmarking Denver Public Schools.

Historic Denver's efforts provided the critical support needed for the establishment of 38 historic districts and the landmarking of more than 290 properties in Denver. This legacy of preservation leadership is the legacy of the diverse people who share Historic Denver's commitment to preserving the city's unique historical and cultural assets. Education and outreach programs, such as those conducted at the Molly Brown House Museum and during Historic Denver Week, also help to broaden the base of support for historic preservation. A broad range of publications ranging from neighborhood walking guides to Denver history books, landmark information packets also encourage community support of historic preservation. All of these activities have been accomplished almost exclusively with private funding, minimal staffing, and generous volunteer support.