The Foundation’s outreach volunteers had a busy 2018 staffing booths at a variety of community events. Over 800 individuals learned about the historic Empire Ranch and the Foundation at events and through presentations.
During 2019 the Outreach and Education committee hopes to participate in community events monthly, and provide more presentations to local audiences. If you have events to suggest or want to request an ERF speaker for your group or organization contact Marti Conroy by
email: Wrangler4504@gmail.com or phone: (520) 247-6097.
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.
Plan to join us at the Empire Ranch House for a special milestone celebration on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 10 am to 1 pm. Enjoy presentations, new exhibits, Ranch House tours, and more. Click here to RSVP and for additional information. Questions? Contact admin@empireranchfoundation.org
Join us for the Spring Trail Ride on Saturday April 6th, 2019. It’s an authentic western experience like no other, benefitting the Empire Ranch Foundation. Registration deadline is March 22, 2019.
Enjoy guided horseback rides, a 3-hour at 9 am or a 1.5-hour at 10 am, through the beautiful rolling grasslands of Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Or, choose a horse-drawn wagon for a tour of the spectacular scenery. All three options include a catered chuck wagon lunch, music, docent tours, and more! Click here to register or for more information.
Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters. Join us for the next Volunteer Day on Saturday, March 2nd from 8am to noon. To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!
The re-opening of the Empire Ranch House provides a wonderful opportunity to update and add exhibits and interpretative materials. Two long standing exhibits are being revised and updated. The History of the Empire Ranch Timeline, on display in the Living Room of the Victorian addition, will now cover the time period 1870-2000, ending with the establishment of Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The focus of the Who Lived Here? exhibit in the Master Bedroom will change from individuals who actually lived in the Master Bedroom to Empire Ranch Families. Throughout the Ranch House we will add some furniture and interpretive signs to explain items on display and architectural features of the building. In the Children’s Addition we will install an exhibit of toys dating between 1886 and 1960.
Christmas at the Empire Ranch on Saturday December 8th proved to be a fun way to start the holiday season for the almost 200 visitors in attendance. The Empire Ranch House was decked out in Christmas finery, with cowboy boot stockings hung on the fireplace, mantels decorated with garlands and ornaments, and a little village in the family kitchen window.
Santa was especially popular with the many kids attending and everyone enjoyed visiting vendors, sampling cookies, and participating in the raffle and silent auction.
