San Luis Valley Day Trip

About this event

Join expert guide and 10th generation San Luis Valley native, Sandra Ortega, for an exciting tour of contemporary and historic adobe structures across Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Ticket includes all admission fees, guide fees, and a box lunch. Guests are responsible for their own transportation. The program will depart from the Harwood at 8:30am. Final itinerary will be shared closer to departure. About Sandra Ortega Born and raised in San Luis, Colorado, Sandra is a 10th-generation native whose family immigrated from Portugal and Spain. Through her family, Sandra cultivated a deep connection with her heritage and the Spanish language. She grew up with strong traditions, longevity in her family, and a sense of belonging that has remained with her throughout her life. This reinforced her commitment to preserving and celebrating her community’s history. One of the most meaningful and visible projects, Sandra embarked on with her husband, Antonio Garcia, was the construction of La Capilla de Todos los Santos (The Chapel of All Saints) in San Luis. With Antonio’s expertise in construction and their shared devotion to Catholicism, they built the chapel using local materials, leaving behind a lasting testament to their faith and heritage. She is also the steward of the San Luis Morada, which was recently named one of the most endangered places by Colorado Preservation, Inc.. In 2022, Sandra was honored as a Corn Mother through History Colorado, a recognition that symbolizes nurturing, resilience, and cultural preservation. The honor reaffirmed her lifelong mission of upholding the traditions and values of her community. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Billy Adams Award from Adams State University, as an acknowledgment of her tireless work in education, advocacy, and service. As a member of the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce, Sandra sees opportunities for businesses and organizations to collaborate for the greater good. She hopes that people will continue…

Description from harwoodmuseum.org