Some of Breckenridge's historic sites are getting a fresh look this summer and fall as the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance prepares for the 150th Anniversary in 2009. While some sites, like the Historic Briggle House and the Rotary Snowplow, are simply getting a fresh coat of paint and minor repairs, other sites are undergoing extensive rehabilitations.

Read below about some of our project highlights.

Edwin Carter Museum Rehabilitation

In 2009, natural history lovers will be invited to take an interactive and interpretive adventure dedicated to the legacy of Colorado’s famous log cabin naturalist–Professor Edwin Carter. Exhibit themes at the 1875 Edwin Carter Museum will trace the evolution of Carter’s life as a miner, taxidermist, and scientist and explain how, in 1900, his amazing collection of Rocky Mountain fauna came to serve as the nucleus collection for today’s Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Also featured in the museum will be a new theater room and an interactive learning center where children can try hands-on activities related to Carter's work. This project is funded by the Town of Breckenridge.

Washington Mine Interpretive Site

In July 2008, renovations were completed on the Washington Mine site, an example of one of Breckenridge's early-day underground mines. In addition to shoring up infrastructure, the tipple (the point where ore carts deposited mined materials into waiting wagons below) and head frame (which provided the sheave and pulley system to lower men and materials into the mine) were rebuilt. A custom-built gold panning station was also added to the Washington to enhance the visitor experience. This project was funded by the Town of Breckenridge.

Reiling Dredge

Built in 1908, the Reiling Gold Dredge was the eighth dredge used to mine gold-bearing ground in the Breckenridge area. Until 1922, when in sank in a small pond in French Gulch, the Reiling Dredge moved up and down French Creek extracting gold from the bedrock. Still highly preserved in its final resting spot, the Reiling Dredge will undergo a state-of-the-art preservation assessment this summer. Using the most modern, cutting edge technologies, the assessment will analyze the current state of the dredge boat and help create a management plan for the future of the site. This project is funded by the State Historical Fund of the Colorado Historical Society and the Town of Breckenridge

French Gulch Interpretive Signs

A wealth of history lies just to the east of Breckenridge in French Gulch, the location of dozens of early mining operations. In the fall of 2008, the Alliance will be installing interpretive signage to tell the stories of the mining camps that once thrived in the area. “Then” and “now” pictures will show how the landscape has changed and educate current users of French Gulch. This project is funded by the Town of Breckenridge.