About DHC

The Durango Heritage Celebration, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit endeavor, began in 2008.   This event is open to the public. Both locals and out-of-town visitors are encouraged to attend one or more of the activities offered during the event.  Its organizers comprise an all-volunteer steering committee, which solicit financial support and local organization and business involvement as event participants, develop the master calendar for the various activities that comprise the overall Heritage Celebration, organize specific activities such as the Victorian Ball, and fund all marketing for the event.  Funding is provided by the City of Durango and downtown businesses, through the Business Improvement District, private, corporate and organizational donations and monies raised by ticket sales and other fund- raising that occurs during the event.  All monies revert completely into supporting the event itself.

Durango is a small town rich in diverse Victorian and Old West history.  The mission of the Heritage Celebration is to keep that history alive through activities built around the area’s history and components of the history of other parts of the country and world.  It has four goals:

1. To educate both locals and visitors about the history of the time period of approximately 1880 through the early part of the 20th century, which constitutes Durango’s formative years.
2. To help support local “holders of history,” particularly the La Plata Historical Society/Animas Museum.
3. To support local downtown businesses.
4. To provide wholesome, family-oriented entertainment for those who attend the event.

The steering committee welcomes suggestions from attendees and strives to improve the event from year to year.

2013 DHC Steering Committee