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Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area 2021 Grant Cycle Opens April 1, 2020 Grants awarded from Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) are intended to encourage local cultural and historic heritage preservation activities, educational programs, and support Heritage Tourism within the heritage area. Our past grantees have used grant funds to restore historic buildings; provide historical and cultural interpretation; restore or promote scenic, artistic and recreational resources; and toRead more

Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area 2021 Grant Cycle Opens April 1, 2020 Grants awarded from Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) are intended to encourage local cultural and historic heritage preservation activities, educational programs, and support Heritage Tourism within the heritage area. Our past grantees have used grant funds to restore historic buildings; provide historical and cultural interpretation; restore or promote scenic, artistic and recreational resources; and toRead more

Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area 2021 Grant Cycle Opens April 1, 2020   Grants awarded from Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) are intended to encourage local cultural and historic heritage preservation activities, educational programs, and support Heritage Tourism within the heritage area. Our past grantees have used grant funds to restore historic buildings; provide historical and cultural interpretation; restore or promote scenic, artistic and recreational resources; andRead more

Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area 2021 Grant Cycle Opens April 1, 2020   Grants awarded from Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) are intended to encourage local cultural and historic heritage preservation activities, educational programs, and support Heritage Tourism within the heritage area. Our past grantees have used grant funds to restore historic buildings; provide historical and cultural interpretation; restore or promote scenic, artistic and recreational resources; andRead more

“The Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Julie Chacon as Executive Director of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area(SdCNHA). A native of the San Luis Valley, Julie possesses an extensive understanding of the region’s culture. Her work with SdCNHA over the past several years will […]

By SYLVIA LOBATO CONEJOS/ALAMOSA — The nation’s earliest and longest-unheralded victory in the war against educational segregation took place in the San Luis Valley between 1912 and 1914 and the big winners were Alamosa’s children. In 1914, “The Denver Catholic Register” called the decision “historic,” noting that it “was the […]

  Employer Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) was formed through legislation that will preserve and promote the cultural, historical, and recreational resources of the area of three Counties in the San Luis Valley. Position SdCNHA Executive Director Type Professional Opportunities Location […]

  The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area welcomes Interim Executive Director Julie Chacon.  Ms. Chacon will provide strong leadership, communications and initiative during this time of transition following the departure of Executive Director Tori Martinez. Ms. Chacon, a San Luis Valley Native originally from Capulin, has 5 years experience […]

  The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and History Colorado, through an Underrepresented Communities Grant from the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, Department of Interior, have successfully submitted four properties in the San Luis Valley to the National Register of Historic Places. The Keeper of the […]

S La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area of Alamosa and a $193,361 grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF) of Denver for 2019-2021. The Antonito Town Council has also donated $2,000. These and […]

  Tonko, McKinley Introduce Bill to StrengthenNational Heritage Areas System Bipartisan legislation backed by 60+ members establishes process for designating, evaluating and maintaining National Heritage Areas across the U.S.–Written by Matt Sonneborn WASHINGTON – Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-WV) announced today that they have introduced the National […]

  Written by Scenic America America’s scenic roadways got a major boost in Congress on February 6 as the House of Representatives passed a bill to restart the dormant National Scenic Byways Program, while companion legislation was introduced in the Senate. “We are thrilled with Congress’ support for scenic byways,” […]

Three new sites from the San Luis Valley (SLV) have been added to the list of Colorado’s Most Endangered Places for 2019. The three sites placed on “Alert” status were among those announced at the annual Saving Places Conference in Denver last week. These include the McIntire Ranch and Mansion […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is a melting pot of settlers from around the world. Traditional holiday customs from this diverse group of ethnicities has been handed down over generations. Several traditions have been adopted and integrated between cultures. The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area would like […]

  Burrowing owls at Great Sand Dunes (photo NPS) Article by Kathy Faz Great Sand Dunes is looking for birders of all skill levels to volunteer in Audubon’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This year’s event will be held at Great Sand Dunes National Park and […]

Photo by Vidella Vigil, Article by Kathy Faz This past spring, the National Park Service (NPS) announced service-wide fee increases to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance needs to enhance the visitor experience. As a result, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will modify its entrance fees. Effective […]

The Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service (NPS) since 1938, announced the recipients of its annual awards at the WNPA board reception on November 8th in Tucson, Arizona. For more than 30 years, WNPA has recognized individuals and organizations who make exceptional […]

Just two years after Colorado became a state, a narrow-gauge train loaded with expectant settlers and their belongings stopped at a protected bend in the Rio Grande shaded by a grove of cottonwoods. In 1878 Alamosa—Spanish for cottonwood grove—was founded and is currently the largest town in the Sangre de […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area was designated by Congress in 2009 for the purpose of providing an “integrated and cooperative approach for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic and recreational resources of the Heritage Area.” Stunningly beautiful natural resources and a rich mixture […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area(SdCNHA) is proud to present an inspirational evening with Olympic Gold Medalist in Wrestling, National Wrestling Hall of Fame Member and UFC World Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo. He will speak to the community about perseverance, dedication, finding your passion and having pride in oneself […]

National Parks Intermountain Regional Office announces Internship opportunity with Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Click below for details. Intern_Announcement_SdCNHA-FINAL

Experience the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area by walking through our past on youth led walking tours with Caminos del Valle. Caminos del Valle is a connection focused walking community and program partner of the Walk2Connect Cooperative. Walk2Connect helps connect people to one another, to the places they live […]

  Alexander Stokes, a student from Alamosa High School, served a four week internship at the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area during the month of June. Tori Martinez, the Executive Director for SdCNHA said this about Alex’s internship, “It’s my belief that when a person gets the opportunity to […]

Across America there are places that are richly layered with stories of people, their traditions and arts, their histories and their breathtaking landscapes. Forty-eight of these areas have been recognized by Congress as places that have made significant contributions to the history of and the formation of the United States. […]

  A memorial event will be held in honor of the passing of noted muralist and artist Fred “Lightning Heart” Haberlein on July 7th, 2018 in Antonito, Colorado. Frederick Fitzjarrald Haberlein, Lightning Heart, was born December 7, 1944. He grew up at the Conejos Ranch on the Conejos River in […]

Hello San Luis Valley tourists and residents, Here is an update on the Spring Fire in our Heritage Area. As of 10:20am Monday, July 2nd the Spring Fire was measured at 56,820 acres with 5% containment. There are 550 personnel working the fire. Road Closures — As of 1am July 2nd – US […]

  Los Caminos Antiguos Part of ‘Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways’ Exhibit Photo Courtesy of Denver International Airport Denver International Airport is showing off its 26 Scenic and Historic Byways through a collection of breathtaking color photographs. Two photographs from the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway are included […]

Left to Right: Conejos County Commissioner Mitchell Jarvis, Tori Martinez, Emma Roybal, State Representative Donald Valdez The ribbon cutting ceremony for the reopening of the Conejos County Museum was held on May 11th, 2018 by Tori Martinez, Executive Director for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Mitchell Jarvis, Conejos […]

Grants from the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area are available to local organizations working to promote the mission of the National Heritage Area. The deadline for applying for a 2019 grant is June 1, 2018. Our past grantees have used grant funds to restore historic buildings; provide historical and […]

The block of San Juan Ave. and Main St. in Alamosa was overflowing with colorful decorations, inviting smells of freshly cooked street food, lively music and cultural dancing this past Saturday for the first Cinco de Mayo Cultural Block Party. Community members began arriving early to find the best seating […]

      The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area invites the public to join them for the reopening of the Conejos County Museum and new Antonito SdCNHA office on May 11th from 12-3pm. The museum is located at the intersection of HWY 285 and HWY 17 in Antonito, CO. […]

History of the Trujillo Homestead   Located in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area along the western boundary of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are two historic homesteads that provide a representation of the Hispano-American expansion into the American southwest. During the mid 1800’s a new wave […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, the SLV Brewing Company and the City of Alamosa present a free community block party to celebrate local heritage through music, dance, food, drinks, and good conversation. On Saturday, May 5th, the block of San Juan Ave between 4th and Main Street, located […]

The Voices of the Valley is an oral history project by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) that explores and documents the relationship between culture and natural resources in the San Luis Valley, placing emphasis on the particular meanings that inhabitants associate with the communities they live in. […]

    On Friday April 6th, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and the University of Colorado at Boulder hosted their third teacher workshop in the San Luis Valley.  The workshop focused on stories along Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway and the Courageous Conversations that can take […]

The Voices of the Valley is an oral history project by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) that explores and documents the relationship between culture and natural resources in the San Luis Valley, placing emphasis on the particular meanings that inhabitants associate with the communities they live in. […]

                                 The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area has partnered with the Conejos County Commissioners to reopen the Conejos Museum in Antonito. The Conejos County Museum and Visitor Center preserves the history of the people, cultures and towns of Antonito, Sanford, La Jara, Manassa, and Mogote.   SdCNHA will now […]

  The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and Colorado University at Boulder are proud to present our third place-based teacher workshop. This free, one-day workshop will take place on Friday, April 6th, 2018, from 9am to 4pm in the South Conejos School District building.  Lunch will be provided and […]

There is quite a story to be told about the people and places in the San Luis Valley. This is a story with roots not only in southern Colorado, but the southern United States. It’s a national story about how our country was formed. It’s a story about the creativity, […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) is pleased to announce our 2019 grant application cycle is now open. Grants from the SdCNHA are intended to encourage local cultural and historic heritage preservation activities, educational programs and support Heritage Tourism in Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla counties. Our past grantees […]

  Tori Martinez, Executive Director for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) spent the week in Washington DC speaking with Senators and Congressmen to advocate for funding and legislation to support Colorado’s three National Heritage Areas. The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is the farthest south in […]

  National Heritage Areas are places where history, cultural and natural wonders intersect with everyday places where people live, work, and play. An NHA is a region that may cross state and county boundaries that has been recognized and designated by Congress for its unique contribution to the nation’s history. […]

The SdCNHA is proud to provide an annual scholarship to students who participate in the District History Fair, part of the National History Day Competition. Eligible student projects must be based on a theme involving local history, culture, or traditions within the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. The SdCNHA […]

  The 2018 Saving Places Conference will focus on the Power of Place – exploring the connection between people and place, celebrate Colorado’s diverse history, recognize the role of heritage in forming community identity, and discuss incentives available for the reuse of historic places in our communities. CPI’s Saving Places […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, Colorado Preservation Inc. and the town of Antonito recently refaced the exterior of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot, located at 307 Main Street in Antonito, CO. Beginning around the late 1870s, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RGRR) began extending […]

Tori Martinez, Executive Director for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s degree in Sociology, on December 12, 2017. Tori decided to pursue her Master’s degree because she wanted more training, to better serve and give back to her community. Arizona State […]

  The Conservation Easement of the Valdez Rio Culebra Ranch in San Luis is a significant convergence of natural, historical and cultural resources in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA). By funding this conservation easement through Colorado Open Lands’, SdCNHA is helping to safeguard the property’s acequia water, […]

Alyssa Maestas from San Pablo, age 3 Mis Oremos and Mis Crismas, are holiday traditions that are unique to the villages of Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. In the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, the Culebra Villages outside of San Luis have carried on these cultural traditions. For […]

Luminarias(Farolitos) The tradition of luminarias in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area dates back more than 300 years. The tradition began when the Spanish villages along the Rio Grande displayed unique and easy to make Christmas lanterns, called luminarias, to guide the spirit of Christ along their paths. Luminarias […]

  SPMDTU #31, Chama, Colorado In 1966 The National Historic Preservation Act was established by the National Park Service. As a result, the NPS now has a National Register of Historic Places. This year the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area received a grant in collaboration with History Colorado to […]

  The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is proud to present the SLV Place-based Teacher Workshop Event Address: Adams State Nielsen Library 1701 First St, Alamosa, CO 81101 Contact us at (719)-580-4070 or info@sdcnha.org This is a one-day teacher workshop on Friday, November 3, 2017, From 9am to 4pm, […]

If you enjoy promoting cultural preservation, heritage tourism, and the history of the San Luis Valley then come thrive in our friendly and collaborative environment.   Marketing and Outreach Assistant The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is seeking to hire a part time Marketing & Outreach Assistant. Desired Qualifications: […]

Marissa Ortega (far left) with the middle school Junior Archaeology camp   Marissa Ortega, Latino Heritage Intern, completed her service hours at the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Marissa is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University where she received […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area has supported musical endeavors since its inception. They are particularly fond of a recently completed project with Adams State University’s music program and  Dr. Beth Robison Music Department Chair, to perform some original pieces about the San Luis Valley. The original musical pieces […]

As one of the major supporters of historical and cultural preservation in the San Luis Valley, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area would like to encourage Valley locals to apply to be a presenter at the 21st annual Saving Places Conference. Colorado Preservation, Inc. (CPI) has begun accepting applications […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and The Fort Garland Museum (a History Colorado Museum), partnered for their third annual Junior Archaeologist Camp. Middle school students participated in a three-day camp the week of July 10th. During the week of July […]

                      The San Luis Valley has a long and rich human history, as the area served as a seasonal hunting ground to prehistoric and Native American cultures. Therefore, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, History Colorado, and the Bureau of […]

National Heritage Areas expand on traditional conservation approaches by supporting large-scale, community-driven initiatives that engage communities in heritage preservation activities. National Heritage Area entities, such as the local Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, collaborate with stakeholders to determine how to make heritage relevant to local needs and interests. These […]

                                                          Colorado teachers at the Summer Latino Teacher Workshop    The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA), in partnership with the […]

  The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, in collaboration with Colorado’s two other National Heritage Areas, has created a new tour highlighting Colorado’s rich culture and heritage. The Cache la Poudre River, South Park, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Areas have worked diligently with the Colorado Tourism Office […]

  Alamosa – A new partnership between the Colorado Byways Program and MyScenicDrives.com is offering a new way to explore Los Camnios Antiguios Scenic and Historic byway, along with Colorado’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways – just in time for the summer season. MyScenicDrives.com provides detailed information about Colorado’s system […]

  The staff and Board Members at the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) want to express our gratitude for a successful turnout of nearly 200 people at our Celebration of Cultural Music event on April 22nd. We started the evening by honoring our Board Members who have passed […]

Sangre de Cristo NHA Announces Photo Contest Winner The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) is pleased to announce Veronica “Annette” Martinez-Mascarenaz from Romeo as the winner of our 2017 photo contest. The SdCNHA Board of Directors chose Veronica’s photograph of Bighorn Sheep, near the Magote area because the […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area with a substantial $43,000 grant from the National Park Service and in partnership with History Colorado Preservation Planning Unit will be able to increase representation of the San Luis Valley and its Hispanic heritage in the National Register of Historic Places. The grant […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area invites the community to “A CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL MUSIC!”  6:30 PM, Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1112 8h Street, Alamosa, CO. This friend raising event will feature performances by Semillas de la Tierra, Mariachi San Luis, and Antonito […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) is pleased to announce our 2018 call for Heritage Grant applications. Our grants are available to local organizations working to promote the mission of the National Heritage Area. Our desire is to share the culturally diverse stories of our area, because we […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) is hosting a photo contest. Show us your Heritage Area! We would like to showcase the area through the eyes of the people who live in it. SdCNHA is committed to a future for history and heritage we want to see it […]

In Partnership with Colorado Department of Transportation, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area has installed new road signage. These new signs mark the boundaries of the Heritage Area for visitors coming into the San Luis Valley. We would like to thank CDOT for collaborating with us to install these […]

Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Announces New Executive Director The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, a nonprofit organization providing an integrated and cooperative approach for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area, has announced the selection of […]

Expected Hours and Length of Internship: 40 hours/week; 3-month (12 weeks) internship; Timeframe: January-March 2017 Internship Overview: The intern will be working with the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA), National Park Service Intermountain Region staff, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Staff, and other professional staff or […]

Prospective applicants should attend the monthly SdCNHA Board of Directors meeting at 623 4th Street, Alamosa, CO 81101. Contact office for more info on meeting date and location. Please submit applications electronically to info@sdcnha.org.   Application: board-member-application   The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) Board of Directors announces the opportunity […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) was formed through federal legislation that will preserve and promote the cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties in the San Luis Valley. Type Professional Opportunities Location San Luis Valley, CO Details $45,000 – $50,000 annually Position Description […]

colorado-history-day-scholarship-flyer The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) provides scholarships to students in the Colorado History Day Regional and State Competition. Students project who place first must have a topic or theme related to the San Luis Valley in any category. The mission of the SdCNHA is to promote, preserve, protect […]

The SdCNHA 2015 Annual Report is available online: https://sdcnha.org/2015-annual-report/

Alamosa, CO – The Board of Directors has developed an interim management structure for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area while it deliberates on a more permanent arrangement.  Rick Manzanares has been named as Interim Program Director, Julie Chacon, who has served as Administrative Assistant has now been named […]

  On February 24, 2016 the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) awarded scholarships for the regional competition of National History Day (NHD) held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Adams State University. The SdCNHA board presented scholarships to five junior high school students for the outstanding performance of […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) Board of Directors announces the opportunity for local area residents to become engaged with the work of the Heritage Area. The Board is looking to fill two openings for residents of Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties. These positions are at-large and do […]

Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is administered by a non-profit board of volunteers who represent Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla Counties. Board meetings are open to the public and occur on the last Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Meetings are held in our Alamosa office located at 623 […]

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) Board of Directors announces the opportunity for local area residents to become engaged with the work of the Heritage Area. The Board is looking to fill two openings representing Conejos and Alamosa counties. These positions are   at-large and do not need be […]

Please take a look at our 2014 Annual Report (.pdf 6.3 MB)