Durango, CO: **La Plata County 4th- and 5th-graders and their families are invited to participate in the Then and Now Postcard Challenge, a summer 2026 activity created as part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary celebration.
The challenge encourages students to connect with local history by exploring historic sites in their communities. The program is designed for students who have recently completed Colorado History studies in school. Only 4th- and 5th-grade students can win prizes, but anyone is welcome to participate.
Through the program website (sites.google.com/view/Colorado-then-now), students can view historical photographs of buildings, bridges, and other notable locations in Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, and throughout La Plata County. Participants are invited to visit these sites, take current photographs from a similar vantage point, and upload their images along with a brief description to create a “then and now” comparison.
The challenge launched at the end of the school year and will remain open through August 25, 2026. The program will conclude with a community celebration at the Durango Public Library on Saturday, September 12, 2026, where student submissions will be displayed, and participants can enjoy an ice cream social.
The Then and Now Postcard Challenge offers a fun, hands-on opportunity for students and families to discover local landmarks, learn about the region’s past, and contribute to Colorado’s sesquicentennial celebration.
The CO 150 / US 250 “Then and Now Postcard Challenge” is a Joint project with the following entities:
City of Durango Historic Preservation Board
City of Durango Public Library
Ignacio Community Library
La Plata County Historic Preservation Review Commission
Pine River Public Library
Pine River Valley Heritage Society
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Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis