CSPM Acquisitions Committee meeting, December 2025.
This month we’re honoring five wonderful individuals for their invaluable service on the museum’s Acquisitions Committee. Taken together, the total number of years that Bill Cogswell, Chrys Fotenos, David Buckley, Jan Martin, and Sue Grant served on the Acquisitions Committee totals 50 years. Although many hold other voluntary roles at the museum, it is important to highlight their time and dedication to the CSPM Acquisitions Committee as all five are terming off this year.
As committee members, these individuals attended lengthy meetings every other month to review, discuss, and vote on whether to accept or not to accept materials into the collection. These decisions are based on the Collecting Plan which Acquisitions Committee members work with staff to update and maintain according to museum needs. The committee also approves any deaccessions of the collection as well as helps draft and uphold other collections’ policies.
As members, these five individuals brought significant institutional history and knowledge to these meetings. These individuals were part of the museum at different crucial times in the museum’s history. Having been involved with the museum and the larger Colorado Springs community in different ways, each contributed a unique perspective to these meetings. We thank them all for their insights, feedback, questions, and commitment to the committee!
Bill Cogswell
Bill Cogswell first joined the museum as a volunteer in January 2017 and began serving on the Board in February of that year and also the Acquisitions Committee. Prior to joining the board, Bill helped raise funds to restore the 114-year-old street clock on the north side of the plaza in 2013. The clock was originally donated to the museum by Bill’s father, Dr. Walter W. Cogswell, who saved it from demolition.
CSPM Acquisitions Committee member Bill Cogswell
CSPM Acquisitions Committee Secretary and former Chair, Chrys Fotenos
Chrys Fotenos
Chrys Fotenos became involved in the museum in 1974 shortly after moving to Colorado Springs. She has served in many different capacities, including as the Chair and later secretary of the Acquisitions Committee. Chrys was involved in the museum’s Friends group as well as different Boards over the years. In addition to leadership roles, Chrys supported a range of projects and events, including the Festival of Lights, the development of the William C. Henderson History Day Award, and has volunteered in the archives.
David Buckley
Dave Buckley volunteered with the museum for over 20 years, having been involved in both the Foundation and the Acquisitions Committee. He began volunteering at the museum after retiring from the Air Force in 1991. He wanted to volunteer at the museum because of his deep appreciation for local history. Dave has strong ties to Colorado Springs history, his great-grandfather was artist Charles Craig whose art is represent in the CSPM’s collection.
CSPM Acquisitions Committee member David Buckley
Left to right, CSPM Acquisitions Committee members, Sue Grant, Jan Martin and Chrys Fotenos
Jan Martin
Jan Martin has been involved with the museum in different capacities for over 25 years. During this time, she served as Vice President and President of the Board as well as on the Finance Committee. A former city council member, Jan’s political career was sparked by her involvement in preserving the view of the Katherine Lee Bates sculpture on the West side of the museum.
Sue Grant
A former Colorado Springs municipal Judge, Sue Grant was always interested in the museum but became involved in the Board after being identified by Sue Edmondson at Christmas Party. In addition to serving on the Board and Acquisitions Committee, Sue and Bill Nelson worked to establish the MOU and By-Laws with the city.