In Buena Vista, the Old Chaffee County Courthouse, a symbol of law and order in the Wild West, stood tall for decades. Its grand walls defied the lawlessness around it, offering hope for a future where reason ruled, but unfortunately, time marched on. In the 1930s, when Buena Vista lost the county seat, the courthouse took on a new life as a schoolhouse. For years, its halls buzzed with children's laughter and learning, shaping young minds.

But change came again in 1972. The school doors shut for good, leaving the building empty and uncertain. Its weathered walls, once a beacon of hope, now faced the threat of being torn down, wiping away its history. But then came Suzy and Bryce Kelly, two people passionate about the past. They couldn't stand to see the stories within the courthouse walls fade away. So, in 1974, amidst doubts and whispers, Buena Vista Heritage was born. Their mission was to give the old courthouse a new purpose, not just as a building but as a sanctuary for memories.

With unwavering dedication, BVH took on the abandoned structure. They breathed life back into its empty halls, transforming it into a museum – a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich threads of Buena Vista's history.