The St. Vrain Historical Society, Inc. (SVHS) is dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of Longmont and the greater St. Vrain Valley. Through educational programs, interpretive initiatives, and the conservation of historic structures and sites, SVHS works to raise awareness and foster an appreciation for local history among residents.

The St. Vrain Historical Society (SVHS) was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1967, after operating for many years as a less formal group.

The Society’s activities are managed by a  Board of Directors who meet monthly and are carried out by one full-time staff member, a part-time staff member, and active member volunteers.

SVHS keeps members informed through a quarterly newsletter and holds its Annual Meeting each February.

Among its many accomplishments, SVHS established a landmark commission, which became a city ordinance to mark historic sites in Longmont.

In 1969, SVHS took on the task of creating Old Mill Park from land once occupied by a flour mill that burned in 1934. The park, which includes two log cabins and a milk house built in the 1860s, was dedicated in 1976, in conjunction with Colorado’s Centennial and the National Bicentennial celebrations.

In the same year, SVHS led a community effort to save Longmont’s oldest standing church, “Old” St. Stephen’s, from demolition. The church, built in 1881 and located on Main Street, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1994, SVHS purchased the original farmhouse from the 160-acre farm established by Charles Hover in 1902. Additional agricultural buildings were acquired in 1996, and in 1997, the Society purchased the elegant 1913-1914 arts and crafts-style Hover mansion, known as “Hoverhome.” Today, the farmstead serves as a reminder of Longmont’s agrarian past, offering reconstructed exhibits and guided tours.

SVHS continues to operate these four beloved historic landmarks for the public’s benefit. Over the years, the Society's budget and the number of activities and projects it supports have grown significantly.