Fahnestock, Connie

Connie Fahnestock

(1927-2020 )

Born Scott City, Kansas; raised in Maywood, IIlinois. Attended Purdue University and Long Island University. Married 1949. Lived in Huntington, NY, with husband, Jim and children. Manager of local museum. Moved to Evergreen, CO, in 1973.

With Mary Helen Crain initiated start of Jefferson County Historical Society in 1973 and served as its first president. Proposed Hiwan Homestead as a county museum to Jefferson County Open Space. Named first director of Hiwan Homestead Museum.  Open Space purchased the building in 1974, the year the JCHS got it designated as a National Historic Site. It was the first mountain acquistion of Jeffco Open Space. Connie developed a three-part program: historic house, school program for 4th graders, and historic crafts.  She published a booklet entitled "From Camp Neosho to the Hiwan Homestead."

In 1975 she was named "Person of the Year" by the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, which caused the award to be changed from being called "Man of the Year."

Other awards: inducted into the Jefferson County Historical Commission's Hall of Fame, 1997; Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museum's Presidents Award, 1978; Jefferson County Open Space's Appreciation Award in 1986.

Retired 1983 and relocated to Fort Collins in 1989.

Source:  Connie Fahnestock