New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum facts for kids
The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is a fun museum in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It covers about 47-acre (190,000 m2) of land. This museum shows how farming and ranching have been done in New Mexico for 3,000 years! It is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Contents
How the Museum Started
The idea for this museum began in the 1970s. Two important people helped make it happen. They were William P. Stephens, who used to lead the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and Gerald Thomas, who was the president of New Mexico State University.
In 1991, a special law was passed by the New Mexico Legislature. This law officially created the museum. Building work started in 1995. The museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1998.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The main building is called the Bruce King Building.
Inside the Bruce King Building
This building has six different areas and hallways. They show both permanent and changing exhibits. You can see old tools and farm equipment. There are also recreated buildings, like an old general store and a pithouse. A pithouse is an ancient type of home built partly underground.
The museum also displays cool art. For example, it has a collection of lithographs by a modern artist named Robert "Shoofly" Shufelt. He was the first artist to have his work shown here. Inside the main building, you can also find a snack bar and a theater.
Historic Green Bridge
The museum property also includes the historic Green Bridge. This bridge is very important and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum moved the bridge to its current spot in 2007. It crosses the dry Tortugas Arroyo.
Farm Buildings and Animals
The museum has several farm buildings you can explore. These include the Skaggs Dairy Barn, a Blacksmith Shop, and barns for horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. There is also a Greenhouse. You can see real farm animals like cattle, horses, sheep, and goats!
Fun Programs and Events
The museum has an education department that offers many classes and workshops. These are for people of all ages. They also have special outreach activities, like a chuck wagon program.
The museum hosts monthly talks and special presentations in its theater. Here are some of the yearly events:
- Cowboy Days: This event happens on the first weekend of March.
- Ice Cream Sunday: Enjoy ice cream on the third Sunday in July.
- HomeGrown: A New Mexico Food Show & Gift Market: This market takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving.
See also
- Open-air museum
