Colorado 150 Announces Historic Marker Program

New initiative will place up to 150 markers across the state to commemorate Colorado's 150th anniversary and America's 250th

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission has launched a new Historic Marker Program that will place up to 150 new historic roadside markers across Colorado. The program, developed in partnership with History Colorado and funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, invites communities to identify, research, and propose sites for markers that recognize important moments and stories in Colorado's history.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to modernize and expand Colorado's existing network of historic markers, ensuring that more inclusive stories of the state's diverse communities, cultures, and landscapes are represented. By allowing local organizations, historians, and residents to propose marker sites, the program gives Coloradans the opportunity to bring forward the stories that matter most to their communities.

The details

The Historic Marker Program will support the installation of 150 markers highlighting significant people, places, and events in Colorado history over a 7-year period. Communities, historical societies, Tribal representatives, local governments, and organizations can submit proposals identifying historically significant sites. A review board from History Colorado will evaluate the proposals for historical significance, accuracy, and feasibility before forwarding approved proposals to the Pomeroy Foundation for final approval and funding of the marker fabrication and shipping.

  • The program will accept proposals in multiple rounds beginning in 2026.
  • Round 1 proposals are due by April 15, 2026.
  • Notification of Round 1 selections will come in early Summer 2026.
  • Marker installation for Round 1 will begin in late Summer 2026.

The players

America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission

The commission leading Colorado's commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026.

History Colorado

The state agency that will lead the effort to guide research, review, and implementation of the historic markers to ensure they accurately and with integrity reflect Colorado's history.

William G. Pomeroy Foundation

A private philanthropic organization based in New York that is the nation's leading supporter of roadside historical marker programs and will provide grants to fully fund the fabrication and shipping of the markers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Historic markers are powerful reminders that history is not confined to museums—it lives in our communities. As we recognize these dual anniversaries, this initiative gives Coloradans the opportunity to bring forward the stories that matter most to their communities and ensure they are shared and remembered for generations to come.”

— Robin Brown, America 250 - Colorado 150 Commissioner

“Something special occurs when you encounter history where it actually happened. It's often the best place to connect with our shared history. Colorado's landscapes hold countless stories, and as the Centennial State commemorates its 150th anniversary, History Colorado is proud to support community efforts to share the place-based local stories that shaped our state.”

— Jason Hanson, Chief Creative Officer at History Colorado

“Historical markers help communities tell the stories that define them, bringing local history to life. For more than two decades, the Pomeroy Foundation has fully funded markers nationwide, each held to our gold standard of primary-source research and professional verification. Through our partnership, recognizing Colorado's history, communities have the exciting opportunity to celebrate and commemorate their own stories.”

— Bill Pomeroy, Founder and Chairman of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new historic marker program gives Coloradans across the state the chance to share the stories and experiences that have shaped their local communities, ensuring a more inclusive representation of the state's diverse history as it commemorates major milestones for both Colorado and the nation.