Research Requests

Preserve Rollins Pass, co-founded by B. Travis Wright, MPS, offers a Research Requests service to assist individuals, government entities, and organizations in exploring the rich history and significance of Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel. Whether you’re conducting academic research, pursuing personal or family-related projects, or creating historical content, our team provides access to curated and cited materials, primary sources, insights, and expert guidance.

We have extensively collaborated on research projects delving into the histories of notable families such as the Rollins, Toll, Zarlengo, and Dart families, among many others. These partnerships have helped uncover the rich personal narratives, contributions, and enduring legacies of those who shaped the Rollins Pass region. Through these collaborative efforts, we continue to piece together a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural and historical significance.

SERVICES PROVIDED

We offer a range of services tailored to uncover and share the historical depth of Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel:

• Historical Research:
  Explore key aspects of Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel, including:
  • Significant events, from Native American history to the construction of railroads and tunnels
  • Profiles of historical figures like John Quincy Adams Rollins and David Moffat
  • The evolving role of Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel in Colorado’s transportation, culture, and commerce
• Photographic Archives:
  Access our extensive collection of images documenting:
  • Early railroad construction and tunnel development
  • Landscapes, structures, and communities through various eras
  • Rare photos that provide unique perspectives on life at Rollins Pass and at both portals of the Moffat Tunnel (we have hundreds of photographs not published in any of our books or presentations.)
• Document Retrieval:
  Assistance in locating and interpreting valuable historical documents, such as:
  • Engineering blueprints, company maps, technical reports, and surveys
  • Historical land-use maps and records
  • Publications and primary source materials
• Map Access:
  Explore a variety of maps, including:
  • Topographic and engineering maps showing infrastructure and terrain
  • Historic maps compared to modern versions for context and analysis
• Oral Histories and Testimonials:
  Recorded accounts from individuals connected to the region, offering:
  • Personal stories and historical reflections
  • Insights into cultural and environmental shifts
• Artifact Research:
  Support in identifying and understanding artifacts, such as:
  • Railroad tools and components
  • Everyday items from settlers and workers
  • Historic remnants found in the Rollins Pass area (and left in place—we cannot assist with artifacts that have been removed from their original context, unless you are a museum, university, or other agency)
• Guided Contextual Support:
  Expert assistance in incorporating historical insights and facts into:
  • Academic theses and research projects
  • Creative works, such as books, documentaries, or interpretive exhibits
  • Community programs and museum installations
  • Special use permits and lease renewals
• Specialized Topics:
  Research on focused subjects, including:
  • Wildlife and environmental studies of the area
  • Rollins Pass’s impact on Colorado’s economic and social history
  • Connections to broader national narratives, such as transportation and industrialization
• Tailored Recommendations:
  Suggestions for additional resources, expert contacts, or further research steps to enrich your project

REQUEST PROCESS

1. Submission: Email us a detailed request outlining your research needs
2. Evaluation: Each request is reviewed to assess feasibility, time constraints, and alignment with our mission
3. Initial Research:
   • At our discretion, research may be complimentary
   • This is based on factors such as current workload, seasonal demand, and project complexity
4. Proposal: After the evaluation, you’ll receive a clear proposal detailing:
   • The scope of assistance
   • Associated costs for additional research
   • An estimated timeline
5. Payment:
   • Results and deliverables will not be provided until the total cost has been paid
   • Payment must be made in full before additional work begins

COSTS

• Complimentary Research: At our discretion, research may be complimentary. Fees are determined based on the scope of the request and may include:
  • Reproduction of materials
  • Extensive research time
  • Travel time, if applicable
  • Special handling of archival items
• All costs are communicated transparently upfront

Note: Research fees directly support our preservation and outreach efforts.

POLICY ON RAW FILES AND SOURCE MATERIALS

While Preserve Rollins Pass has access to an extensive collection of high-resolution photography, video, maps, blueprints, and archival documents, we do not provide raw or standalone files for any purpose. This policy ensures:

1. Protection of Intellectual Property:
   • Many of these files represent significant investments of time, resources, and expertise
   • Raw files are part of curated collections and presentations developed for specific educational and interpretive uses
2. Preservation of Context:
   • Raw files often lack the historical and contextual narrative needed to accurately convey their significance
   • Instead, we provide processed, annotated, or curated versions tailored to your research needs
3. Limitations on Use:
   • Sharing raw files could lead to unintended misuse, misinterpretation, or reproduction that undermines their integrity
   • For these reasons, raw files are reserved for internal use and specific, approved projects under our supervision
4. Available Formats:
   • Upon request, we can provide select files in accessible formats, such as:
     • Processed, resized, or annotated images
     • Excerpts from video recordings
     • Maps or blueprints with contextual annotations
   • These materials are shared with clear usage guidelines and are optimized for clarity and relevance to your project

CONFIDENTIALITY

Preserve Rollins Pass values your privacy. All research inquiries are handled confidentially, and any information you provide will be used solely to fulfill your request. No details about your project will be shared without your explicit permission.

CUSTOMIZATION FOR SPECIFIC AUDIENCES

Our research services are tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences, including:

• Academic Researchers: We provide properly cited materials, primary sources, and historical analysis for theses and dissertations
• Creative Professionals: Visual and narrative elements are curated for art, books, films, and exhibitions
• Community Programs: Resources are adapted for use in museums, schools, and public presentations, ensuring relevance and engagement for local audiences

LIMITATIONS

• Intellectual Property:
  • We do not share core presentation materials or source files due to their proprietary nature and significant production effort
  • Our master presentation includes over 2,500 slides and is optimized for live viewing, not distribution
• Resource Availability: Some materials may be restricted due to preservation concerns, copyright laws, or donor agreements
• Time Constraints: Response times may vary depending on the complexity of the request and current priorities

CONTACT INFORMATION

Preserve Rollins Pass is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel. By supporting your research, we continue to protect and share this legendary region’s remarkable history. Please contact us to begin a request.

The primary purpose of our work is to inform the public.

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