We accomplished so much in 2019, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our members and donors. In March BLM and ERF celebrated the completion of the historic Empire Ranch House renovation project. Interpretation projects completed included the business Office (Room 11) used by the Vails and Boices which was painted, furnished, and interpreted with business records and maps. The Living Room and Master Bedroom of the Victorian have new interpretive exhibits, and the Bookeeper’s Room is furnished with Victorian era pieces. Our annual Cowboy Festival brought nearly 2,500 visitors to the ranch. Our outreach efforts have also garnered tremendous results with increased awareness and building our volunteer ranks.
Please help us with a year-end contribution which will support interpretation projects for additional areas of Empire Ranch Headquarters
To make a contribution, click here. Or call 888-364-2829 to process your donation by phone.
Are you interested in learning more about the Empire Ranch and sharing your knowledge with visitors to the Empire Ranch? Then join us for the next Empire Ranch Foundation Docent Training Class on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Volunteer docents conduct monthly tours of the Empire Ranch House that provide a general introduction to the history of the Empire Ranch, its buildings and its people. Each docent provides an average of two monthly tours annually. Upon completion of the Docent Training Class each docent receives individual tour training.
If you’re interested in participating as a volunteer docent, click here to register for the February 29th class. For questions or additional information contact Alison Bunting, Docent Coordinator, alisbunting@gmail.com.
Please help us evaluate the 2019 Cowboy Festival to let us know how we did. Click here to complete the online survey form. It will take less than 5 minutes to complete. We promise to put the information to good use!
Almost 300 guests enjoyed the Christmas at the Empire Ranch festivities on Saturday, December 14th. There was music by Bill Ganz, western line dancing by the Saguaro Strutters, a chance to visit with Santa, and lots of fun shopping.
Over 1,900 guests and 450 presenters, demonstrators, vendors, authors, and volunteers attended the 19th annual Cowboy Festival on Saturday, November 2nd. It was a spectacular day enjoyed by all!
Click here to see photos of the event. The final program can be viewed here.
Over 200 viewers attended the Empire Ranch Foundation’s presentation of “Oklahoma” –the 2019 Western Movie at the Loft Cinema in Tucson on September 15th. Many thanks to all the groups who participated in the event including the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum; TCM Backlot, Tucson Chapter; and the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum.
Click here to view photos of the event.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and ERF celebrated NPLD at the Empire Ranch on Saturday, October 12th. Great progress was made on the three volunteer projects along the Heritage Discovery Trail: decommissioning of the frog head-start facility; preservation work on the Hired Man’s House; and trail maintenance.
Thanks to all who volunteered!
Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters. Join us for the next Volunteer Day on Saturday, January 4th. To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!
Did you know that in 2018 membership dues provided 36% of the Foundation’s income? ERF’s first membership drive was held in 2002 to implement one of the Foundation’s strategic planning goals– to expand the number of interested, contributing members to provide a continuing source of funds for preservation and outreach programs, and to participate in Empire Ranch Foundation programs and activities. Current membership in 2018 totaled 367.
A strong membership base is as critical to ERF’s success today as then. If you are not a member, please consider joining by clicking here. If you are a member we hope your membership is current. If you’re unsure of your membership status contact Lahsha Brown, ERF Administrator.