The Mancos Valley Historical Society and the Mancos Fire Protection District signed a letter of agreement and intent for the historical group to use a portion of the old Fire District building on Main and Bauer streets for a museum.
The re-establishment of a museum in Mancos is a long-term goal of the historical society. The former museum closed down in 2007 when the building that housed it was sold.
Ben W. Wolcott has provided momentum behind a lease acquisition for the museum. He has worked closely with Tony Aspromonte, chief of the fire district. The members of the Fire District Board were very supportive of the arrangement.
Wolcott and the historical society believe the actual opening of a museum in the new location is two years away, said president Linda Simmons. Some alterations will be made within the structure, and the group will depend upon grants and donations to help develop the project.
The historical group foresees a museum of both Mancos Valley history and the Old West. They will seek historical items from area families, as well as memorabilia from the larger culture of the West, Simmons said. The plan includes a research library, books and other resources, and the library will also serve as a repository for histories of families and structures.
The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce already houses their Visitors Center in a part of the building. The historical society plans to work closely with the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce in developing the museum plans.