Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation Board Members

The Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization

Objective/Mission:
To preserve, perpetuate and promote the historical legacy of the Hole-in-the- Rock /San Juan Mission Pioneers.
Shortened version: Preserving the History and Sharing the Legacy of the Hole-in-the-Rock/San Juan Mission Pioneers

Motto:
The San Juan pioneers accomplished the seemingly impossible through unwavering commitment and devotion.
Shortened version: Accomplishing the seemingly impossible.

Scope:

I. The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail:
1. Conduct/support Hole-in-the-Rock Trail research and preservation.
2. Support trail identification and marking projects.
3. Develop/install interpretive signs/kiosks at significant trail locations.
4. Provide information along the trail and via the internet, including maps
    and interpretive literature.
5. Support trail excursions by providing trial information/maps, suggested
    points of interest, and as applicable provide handcart and water buffalo
    rentals.

II. The Bluff Fort:

                 Underlining Guidelines for the Fort’s Development
              a. Time Period: Bluff’s first 20 years, primarily the years of 1879-1899
              b. Human Focus: Interpretive projects/ Information is to focus on the
                  story of the pioneers rather than artifacts.

1. The Barton Cabin: Preserve and protect the Barton cabin –the oldest
    pioneer structure in San Juan County and the only remaining cabin built
    by the Hole-in-the-Rock pioneers.
2. Procurement of Property: Pursue the acquisition of properties that
    comprised the original fort boundaries and appropriate/related
    properties.
3. Semblance of the Original Fort: Create a semblance of the original
    Bluff Fort through the construction of some of the fort’s original log
    structures including the log meetinghouse, blacksmith shop, log co-op
    store, and log cabins. Cabins are to be patterned after the Barton cabin.
4. Pioneer Artifacts: Collect and display pioneer artifacts including
    wagons, farming implements, blacksmith implements, and
    cabin/meetinghouse furnishings that are from/or a replica of the late
    1800’s, provided that said artifacts are applicable to the telling of the
    story of the Bluff Fort or its original residents.
5. Landscaping: Develop landscaping that is period appropriate,
    including the planting of trees and a small orchard representative of
    Bluff’s first orchards.
6. Public Convinces: Develop public restrooms. Until restrooms are in
    place portable facilities will be rented when major events are held at
    the fort.
7. Visitors’ Center: Develop a visitors’ center at the Bluff Fort that is
    patterned after the design and location of the original stone co-op.
8. The Bluff Ditch: Develop a water feature to convey the story of Bluff’s
    ditch, Bluff’s residents’ greatest challenge.
9. The Native American Story: Develop interpretive displays that convey
    the Native Americans’ culture and history as they relate to the Hole-in-
    the-Rock pioneers.
10.Displays/kiosks: Develop displays and interpretive information
    throughout the site to convey the remarkable challenges and
    accomplishments of the Fort’s/Bluff’s first inhabitants.
11.Kumen Jones Ruin: Phase I: Secure and preserve the ruin walls to
     the extent that is possible and safe. Phase II: If the wall can be
     secured/stabilized, a small amphitheater will be developed. The ruin
     with the ruin wall serving as a backdrop. The small amphitheater is to
     be used for fireside chats, programs, etc. Phase III: When funds
     become available, rebuild the home.
12.Other Complementary Structures: Structures that were not part of the
     original fort will be considered when it is determined that a pertinent
     pioneer story or stories cannot be told within the forts log structures or
     visitors center.

  III. Pioneer Histories/Stories:
   Collect and share histories and photographs pertinent to the Hole-in-
   the-Rock /San Juan Mission and other related stories of the 1879-1899
   period.

IV. Education and Communication
   1. Regularly publish and distribute a newsletter (print and electronic
       media) that highlights the foundation’s projects and conveys the pioneer
       stories.
   2. Develop and enhance a website that provides trail information and
       perpetuates the stories of the San Juan pioneers.

V. Fund Raising

        1. Apply for grants and seek donations from individuals and organizations to
            support the foundation’s projects.
        2. Sell items at the welcome center that will help visitors take memories of
            the fort home, as well as sustain the fort’s operating expenses.
        3. Provide services which will also contribute to the visitors’ total pioneer
            experience and which will help cover the annual operating costs of the
            facility. These services may include such things as handcart rentals and
            refreshment sales.

The above mission and scope statement was last updated and ratified by the board of directors on Nov. 21, 2009.