Legacy Society

Aspen Historical Society Planned Giving

One Historical Gift, Many Future Returns
The Legacy Society acknowledges individuals and families who have given Aspen Historical Society the highest compliment – including the organization in their estate plans. Planned gifts from these committed supporters provide a critical foundation for history education and preservation that will extend beyond their lifetimes.

Legacy Society donors enjoy the benefits of a planned gift today, with the knowledge that their foresighted donation will make a difference for future generations. Legacy Society benefits include:

  • Invitation to all Silver Circle exclusive events
  • Invitation to all AHS Exhibit ‘Sneak Peek’ Receptions
  • Public recognition in the printed Annual Update and on the AHS website


Your Planned Gift Matters
Planned gifts help sustain AHS and address the changing needs within our community. One of the most meaningful and expressive ways to make a legacy gift is through the AHS endowment fund. This fund is designed to support AHS perpetually, providing annual support year after year through interest earnings only. Legacy donations to this fund endow the AHS archive collections, museums, ghost towns, educational programs, research positions, and exhibitions.

Honoring Ruth Whyte

Ruth Whyte in front of the Wheeler/Stallard house in 2001

The Legacy Society was established in honor of Ruth Whyte, whose commitment to area history included a legacy gift in keeping with her heartfelt spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy. Ruth was a longtime Aspen resident who loved history and spent decades volunteering for Aspen Historical Society’s many needs. Ruth’s thoughtful planned gift helped renovate the Wheeler/Stallard Museum and was the first donation to establish the AHS endowment. The Legacy Society honors Ruth’s foresight and dedication to preserving and sharing the area’s past, into the future.


Bringing History to Life for All
From the free public archive to museums and ghost towns to rotating and traveling exhibits throughout the community to programs and events for all ages, Aspen Historical Society shares the area’s remarkable history with thousands of people each year:

  • Over 33,000 visitors at four historical sites: Wheeler/Stallard Museum, Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum, Ashcroft Ghost Town, and Independence Ghost Town
  • Free history education programs offered to over 8,400 kindergarten through high school students through site field trips and in-classroom lessons, including storytelling, historical character performances, and presentations by Ute tribal members
  • More than 700 researchers assisted by AHS Archivists


Thank You for Considering Aspen Historical Society in Your Estate Planning
Whether you are looking to maintain a family giving legacy, appreciate property, create a charitable remainder trust during retirement, or dispose of highly appreciated assets in a tax-efficient manner, AHS welcomes your support. Please contact the Development Director, at 970.925.3721 ext105 or [email protected] to begin a conversation about joining the AHS Legacy Society.