The Museum is working to expand and update its exhibits to include the full gamut of Oracle’s history—from the early days of the Hohokham to the first Mexican and Anglo pioneer settlements to the growth of the large cattle and dude ranches the present.

The Museum’s photo archive, created from over 250 negatives dating back to the early 1900’s, offers an unusual glimpse into Oracle’s past. Many of these photographs can be viewed as part of our exhibits. In the coming year, the Museum will begin the digitization of this collection, which will be housed along with our collections catalogue, on a computer donated by the Sonoran Searchers Chapter of Questers.

As Oracle inspired the writings of several important authors, including Sister Eulalia Bourne, Elizabeth Lambert Wood, Harold Bell Wright and Edward Abbey, we are proud to have on display a number of signed editions as well as letters, photos and other memorabilia. In addition, the Lisa Armstrong Memorial Reading Room holds a collection of books related to regional history.

The Acadia Ranch Museum regularly hosts lectures, concerts and other special events, many of which are free to the public. Please visit our Public Events page to learn about upcoming activities.

To find out more about taking a docent-led tour or volunteering as a Museum docent, call us at (520) 896-9609 or email
azohs@earthlink.net.

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The Acadia Ranch was built by Edwin S. and Lillian Dodge around 1880 to raise sheep. Later it became a guest ranch and hotel. The first U.S. Post Office was established at the Acadia in 1880. Later, a bath house was added and the Acadia became a sanitarium for tuberculosis sufferers (called “lungers” as the time), who were referred to Oracle for its clean, fresh air and pleasant climate.

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With little capital and assets, the Oracle Historical Society undertook the stabilization and restoration of the Acadia Ranch based upon a “Historic Structure Report” produced by Janus Associates of Phoenix. Much of the work has been done by Society members and community volunteers, with the help of generous grants from the Southwestern Foundation of Tucson.

In 1984, the Acadia Ranch was nominated and dedicated to the National Register of Historic Places. At the dedication ceremony, the Director of the Heritage Conservation Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Chris Delaport, noted “The Museum is an example of people coalescing to take care of their heritage.”

The preservation and restoration of the Acadia building remains an ongoing priority for the Society. The Society continues to depend upon the good will and generosity of its members to accomplish its goals.

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