Grand Heritage Society (GHS)

For over 50 years, the Museums of Western Colorado has a cultural anchor in the Grand Valley and western Colorado. We continue to be a trailblazer in our approach to community engagement, and in recognizing our role in preserving and showcasing those aspects which define our community on many levels. 

Becoming a Grand Heritage Society member is an easy way to increase the power of your support by providing critical funding required for staff and volunteers to continue our extraordinary exhibits, preservation projects, and education programs that bring our mission – preserving history – to life. 

Grand Heritage Society membership includes all the great benefits of general membership plus:

  • 20% discount in all Museum gift shops
  • Invitations to Members Only events

One such Grand Heritage Society member only event was a trip to the Aubert Ranch. This tour conducted in July 2018 was led by Jake Aubert and board member Orville Petersen. It was a fun-filled day, beginning at the Museum of the West where approximately 25 Grand Heritage Society members caravanned up the National Monument and on to Piñon Mesa to the Aubert Ranch on Unit 40. The tour began with an overview of the history of the Aubert ranch and then proceeded with a 3 hour drive around the ranch where guests stopped along the way to view two old, one room log cabins from the early days of homesteading. Guests also viewed historic wood carving on the aspen trees and toured Snyder Flats where the majority of the cattle grazing takes place in the summer months. In addition, the tour highlighted conservation easement property where the Aubert family maintains land preservation to prevent future subdividing. The tour ended at the Aubert cabin where Orville Petersen grilled steaks along with a delicious spread of salad, potatoes, and a homemade dessert which was paired with Whitewater Hill wine. The day was enjoyed by all and was a nice historical tour of a working ranch that has been in the Aubert Family for 5 generations.

Grand Heritage Society members promote the history and heritage of Western Colorado with their resources and advocacy.  They are true ambassadors for the Museums of Western Colorado and receive special recognition as a result of their $500.00 or above annual support.

Please consider becoming a Grand Heritage Society member today! An exclusive event for Grand Heritage Society members will be held in early October. 

Please note: Membership dues are tax deductible but not eligible for Enterprise Zone Tax Credit. Donations to the Museum are tax deductible and eligible for Enterprise Zone Tax Credit.

The Museums of Western Colorado is a 501 (c )(3) not for profit organization.