Past Events

We are proud of our accomplishments and our connection to community. It is our mission to build events that connect us to the ranching heritage of our valley here in the San Juan Mountains. If you're interested in hearing more about our upcoming events, please connect with us on Facebook.

2026
From Quills to Qwerty Experience Washing Laundry OCRHM's 20th Anniversary Day Hands-On History - Butter Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Apr.) Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Mar.) Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Feb.) Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Jan.)

2025
Hands-On History (May-Sept.) Cont. Hands-On History (May-Sept.) From the Rearview Mirror Hearing From Your Local Ranchers 2025

From Quills to Qwerty

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Come, explore, and try out the different methods used to correspond and save memories and important events over the years. Try your hand at writing with a quill, typing, and more!

Experience Washing Laundry

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Free and Fun for All Ages

-Getting wet guaranteed (!)

-OUTSIDE at the OC Ranch History Museum

- Hands on History series

Saturday, July 25, 1-4pm

321 Sherman St. Ridgway

970-316-1085

OCRHM's 20th Anniversary Day

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Enjoy a fun-filled day of interactive activities & games, celebrating OC Ranch Museum's 20th Anniversary! Tour the acreage and see sites for future museum buildings, There will be mule rides, livestock, Rocking W Ice Cream truck from Webb Dairy, Sliders from Brittany at Uncompahgre Farm, 4-H youth showcasing their fair projects, CSU Extension offerings, zeroscape learning/plantings, Minerva West dress-up Trunk Show recognizing homesteader locals, Ridgway Community Apiary, Mighty Mini Horse Therapy, and more!

Hands-On History - Butter

HANDS-ON HISTORY – BUTTER

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Drop by the Ranch History Museum throughout the afternoon to make some butter with us! We’ll explore the history and various methods of churning butter while making (and tasting!) it ourselves. Fun for all ages.

Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Apr.)

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Monday, Apr. 27th:

Join Ouray County Ranch History Museum and CSU Extension to learn about local ranches and history in this once a month lunch-n-learn series.

Pull up a chair and join us for an informal gathering around the “kitchen table” to explore the history and traditions of local ranching. Each session will include a different speaker. The April 27 speaker will be Ralph Walchle of Walchle Cattle Co. Join us to enjoy a hearty, hot lunch inspired by regional flavors while learning about the lives and legacies of ranchers who shaped our community.

This relaxed session includes a presentation on the history of ranching in the area, followed by an open discussion where you can share thoughts, ask questions, and connect with others. Whether you're curious about our agricultural roots or simply looking for great conversation, this Lunch & Learn is the perfect way to nourish both your mind and body!

Please note: This class has a minimum of 5 attendees. If this minimum is not met the class will be cancelled and your registration will be refunded. Also, please let us know of any allergies and we will do our best to accommodate

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Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Mar.)

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Monday, Mar. 30th: The Ranch Museum will host Jessie Hatter from Orvis Ranch as our guest speaker. This homestead spot is the oldest in our valley–don’t miss out!

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Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Feb.)

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Terry and Jenny Galloway and Karen Fay of Fournier Ranch Pat Willits

will be our luncheon guest speaker Monday, Feb. 23rd.

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Hear From Your Local Ranchers (Jan.)

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Pat Willits, former Ridgway mayor, manager of AbarD Ranch (Lake Otanawanda),

and Executive Director of Trust for Land Restoration,

will be our luncheon guest speaker Monday, Jan. 26th.

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Hands-On History (May-Sept.) Cont.

HANDS-ON-HISTORY MUSEUM SERIES

(MAY-SEPTEMBER)

(IN PROGRESS)

Hands-on History

2025

We are EXCITED to announce a new monthly HANDS-ON HISTORY program

taught by teacher Mrs. Amanda Caldwell.

Each fourth Saturday (May – September), the museum will offer a FREE Open House to correlate with our HANDS-ON HISTORY program

Special Passport books will be offered to each HANDS-ON HISTORY participant, which will:

Highlight a different member and their history from our ranch family community
Have monthly pages (May – September) showing artifact pictures with descriptions within the museum for our scavenger hunt (stamped each month)
Each stamped monthly page will qualify our participants for prizes to be announced in October!

Sat., May 24 – “Buckets of Milk”: 11 AM - 3 PM Outside at the Museum - Click here for recap

Sat., June 28 – “Playing with Wool”: 11 AM - 3 PM Outside at the Museum

Sat., July 26 – “Needles and Thread”: 11 AM - 3 PM Outside at the Museum

Sat., August 23 – “Washing Up”: 11 AM - 3 PM Outside at the Museum

Sat., September 27 – “Working with Leather”: 11 AM - 3 PM Outside at the Museum

(Don’t forget to turn in your HANDS-ON HISTORY Passport Book; include your contact information)