Not surprisingly, the vision of the 1904 home of F.O. and Flora Stanley being converted to public uses through a non-profit organization has been discussed in the community over many years.
After all, it was from this magnificent home that the early 20th century development of Estes Park was greatly hastened by the Father of Estes Park, F.O. Stanley.
The four-acre site and the home have been very well taken care of in its 118-year existence, by its various owners. Because of that, the property is not only rich in local and regional history, but is also well-positioned to be a historic house museum that is very capable of sustaining.
In the fall of 2016, a Board of Directors was formed, to found The Historic Stanley Home Foundation, which is a Colorado non-profit corporation and a 501 (c ) (3 ), tax exempt organization.
The Board of Directors from late 2016 through this time, have been busily developing the organization to perform its stated mission, as follows:
The mission of The Historic Stanley Home Foundation is to purchase, renovate, preserve and operate Rockside, the F.O. Stanley home as a cultural center for local history education. The home will be an enduring reminder of the evolution and development of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park."
The Foundation’s operation is accomplished by a full-time Executive Director, a volunteer Board of Directors of ten individuals, and dozens of volunteers who support our mission.
Thanks to the generous support we received during our Acquisition Capital Campaign in 2019, the Foundation was able to achieve its first major goal of purchasing the Stanley home in February 2020. The Board of Directors looks forward to utilizing the historic building in the many ways that will bring benefits to both our residents and our many visitors.
There is much more to be done! If you would like to support the continuing operation of the Stanley Home Museum, please contact the Executive Director.
We look forward to this long-term mission of protecting and preserving a piece of Estes Park history, which is of great importance to honor the foremost leader in our town’s history.
The Historic Stanley Home Foundation Case Statement for Historic Preservation
The Board of Directors of The Historic Stanley Home Foundation, hereby asserts our position, that the fulfillment of the Foundation mission is of critical importance to our community, state and visitors from all places.
- The fabric of a community will not be fully complete, unless its history is sufficiently known and displayed.
- There is no greater contribution to the founding and development of Estes Park than that of F.O. and Flora Stanley, beginning in 1904.
- The home of the Stanleys is the most historically significant residence existing in Estes Park.
- Estes Park lacks significant recognition, preservation and exposure of any major historic residences at this time.
- The existence of a residence that can be experienced to feel history in person, will supplement the mission of our fine museum.
- Delaying the accomplishment of the Foundation mission now, places the long-term preservation of the home in danger of ever occurring.
- The relative feasibility of accomplishing the Foundation mission is high due to relative lesser funds needed than other very worthy projects.
- Significant funds from beyond Estes Park are excellent possibilities due to the prioritization of historic property preservation.
- As the Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park with five million users annually, the Stanley Home would be of great interest to visitors.
- Numerous community uses for charitable, educational and philanthropic purposes would benefit our town and state.
