SDCEA & Basin Electric Partner on Museum Project

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) is proud to announce its support of the Buena Vista Heritage Museum with a $2,610 grant, provided on behalf of Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Basin is SDCEA’s after-hours dispatch center, based in Bismarck, North Dakota. SDCEA applied for and received the grant, which was awarded on January 5, and will go toward the museum’s critical electric rewiring project.

The Buena Vista Heritage Museum, a 143-year-old cornerstone of Buena Vista, is a vital piece of local history. Known for its unique brick construction and iconic cupola weathervane, the building originally served as the area’s courthouse and later as a school. Today, it functions as an educational resource and a community hub — hosting meetings, dances, and events for residents of rural central Colorado, as well as visitors from around the world, including railroad historians.

However, the museum’s aging electrical system, which still includes cloth-wrapped wiring, poses a significant safety risk. The outdated wiring has already caused small fires, narrowly avoiding major damage thanks to the quick actions of staff and the local fire department. Immediate emergency repairs are necessary to protect the building, its historic artifacts, and the people who use this cherished space.

The electric rewiring project is part of a grassroots effort led by dedicated volunteers who have secured donations from local businesses and individuals, with contributions ranging from small amounts to $5,000. The Colorado State Historic Fund has committed $151,000 toward the project, contingent on Buena Vista Heritage raising a $37,000 project match. The Town of Buena Vista contributed to the project, hiring an electrical engineering firm to determine the scope of the project.

“Creating a safe, modern electrical system is essential not only for the safety of those who use the museum but also for preserving the history and heritage it represents,” Jon Beyer, SDCEA CEO, said. “SDCEA and Basin Electric are honored to support this important project and the community’s efforts to protect such a significant landmark.”

For more information about the Buena Vista Heritage Museum and how you can support its preservation efforts, visit the Buena Vista Heritage website.