Antonito, Sanford museums almost ready

CONEJOS — Two more museums are almost ready for summer visitors, Museum Trail spokeswoman Kat Olance told the Conejos Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) May 4.
In the works for a while, the Antonito Museum is located on the south end of town near the railroad shops.
Also notable are the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad, and the Rio Grande Railroad Antonito Depot as well as historic buildings such as the Warshauer Mansion, La Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos Concilio Superior, and the Palace Hotel all on Colorado and National Historic Registry. 
Just north of Antonito is the town of Conejos where the state’s oldest parish holds services at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.  Conejos was also the hometown of Colorado’s first Lieutenant Governor - Lafayette Head.
Conejos County is one of the three counties comprising the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Area due to its rich history in the development of the state of Colorado. 
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is the oldest parish in Colorado. Meeting in a temporary space in 1856, the parish designation was granted in 1859.
Construction of the original church commenced in 1863 and was completed in 1866.
Though the exterior was renovated between 1879 and 1881, Theatine priests updated the interior and added stained glass windows in 1921.
On Ash Wednesday of 1926 an electrical fire destroyed the church, leaving walls and towers. The adobe towers were razed in 1948 and replaced with the contemporary brick entrance.
The Sanford Museum at 778 Main Street is also ready for visitors by appointment only, Olance told the BOCC. Visitors may Call 274-4382, 274-4114 or 719-588-6410