2026 Board of Directors

---

Since joining the Old Colorado City Historical Society, I have worked with pride and dedication to preserve and share the history of our community. My roles as lead of photo archives, events coordinator, researcher, and historian have allowed me to contribute in many ways: from writing for the West Word newsletter and social media, to connecting with the public through our exhibits, events, and "outside of the museum" presence.

Though I’m originally from Iowa, my connection to Colorado runs deep. I vacationed here every year since I was ten, and moved here with my daughter at 25 to build a new life. My earlier years were spent as a firefighter and paramedic, and I even began the process of creating a local firefighter history museum in my Iowa hometown before life brought me west.

At OCCHS, I recognized early on that there were important local families and historic sites with whom we’d lost touch. By building bridges and fostering trust, I’ve gained access to historic properties our own museum founder had never seen, retrieved artifacts from private collections, and strengthened community relationships in ways that benefit both our museum and the public.

I also coordinated our award-winning 2024 Festival of Lights Parade float, helped organize and attend different events, and help manage our Facebook page to keep our history alive and visible. Community members seek our archive team out for help with research and donations, and I am honored to be a point of contact for preserving local heritage.

I love this museum and the people who make it possible. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited about what lies ahead. I would be honored to continue serving as a board member, working to ensure that Old Colorado City’s history is preserved, celebrated, and shared for generations to come.

I find the Mission of OCCHS exciting! I’m the Bookstore clerk one day a week and love the passion at the History Center. I am a firm believer in volunteering, and I have experience at the Mining Museum shop, a condominium board, Girl Scouting, church leadership and various other not-for-profits. 

Prior to retiring and moving to Colorado Springs in 2003, I was a Research Administrative Assistant at Scripps Institute in San Diego for 23 years. I’m always reading, doing crafts, enjoying my pets (1 cat, 3 dogs) and am outdoors, basking in nature as much as possible. The history of Old Colorado City fascinates me.

I moved to Colorado Springs in 1998 from Missouri.  I have had a lifelong love of history and museums.  My favorite things are keeping history alive through reenactments, and hands on exhibits.  I love to explore and hear stories of events that have happened in old buildings.  I believe one of the biggest gifts that we can give the future is to remember, and care for our past.  Today is tomorrow's history, let's make it great! 

Fred and his wife Barbara have three grown children and five grandchildren living in Virginia, Colorado Springs and Australia. Fred graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering after which he entered the Air Force directly out of college. His initial assignments dealt with nuclear missile weapon systems.  He earned an MBA while performing missile duty.  Fred spent the second half of his military career  involved with the  procurement of Command, Control, Communications and Computer (C4) systems as a Project Manager, Program Director and Squadron Commander installing and  activating C4  Systems.  After retiring from the Air Force, he worked 15 years in private industry primarily  as a Program Director and Director of Business Development for 4 Aerospace companies in Colorado Springs (CONTEL, GTE, DYNCORP and CSC) before establishing his own business development  consulting firm – Fred Leich Enterprises LLC.  Fred has authored several West Word  articles over the past six years and  has served as  the Principal Researcher for the OCCHS Board of Directors.

I am a native of Colorado Springs and grew up in Pleasant Valley. I attended the University of Denver majoring in accounting.  I am an inactive CPA. I worked for Colorado Interstate Gas Company for approximately 35 years.  I also spent 5 years working for Colorado Springs Utilities. I worked in various management positions throughout my career. I am currently President of the Centennial Glen HOA Board. I previously served on the local Board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I led several fund raising projects. I am currently serving as Treasurer of the Old Colorado City Historical Society where I help by applying my Accounting skills. I have been an avid runner for over 40 years. 

I have lived in Colorado Springs my entire life and have been a volunteer at OCCHS since 2021. I began by cataloging artifacts in the archives, and now I wear many different hats. While collections and archives are my true love, I’m also one half of our social media team, run our website, help with advertising, conduct historical research for the museum and visitors, and handle many other small tasks that are needed. I also help run several events, including Territory Days and Legends & Lore of Fairview Cemetery. I’m hoping to take the leap to become the new editor of the West Word newsletter in 2026.

I’ve always enjoyed history, but my passion for it took off in my teenage years after getting hooked on Billy the Kid’s story and then my own family history. Now, I love researching the people of Old Colorado City…sometimes way too far into the night. I’m currently working on a book about the women of Colorado City’s red light district. I aim to uncover the true lives of these ladies while still honoring the legends. I also love the stories of everyday people who formed the heart of Colorado City: storekeepers, teachers, millworkers, railroad men, mothers, grandparents, and everyone in between. These smaller, sometimes overlooked stories, are some of my favorites to tell.

When I’m not digging in the archives or writing, I enjoy trying new crafts, hanging out with my niece and nephew, and traveling. Although, many of my trips are centered around research!