CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

This past year, the Society has begun a number of much-needed improvements to the Acadia Ranch Museum's historic structure and collections care. Last December, the Southwestern Foundation awarded a generous grant to cover roof repairs and undertake the restoration of the Acadia Ranch "bath house." An Arizona Historical Society grant is enabling us to update our collections storage facility, as well as purchase new museum management software. The latter will be housed on a new computer provided by the Sonoran Searchers Chapter of Questers, which will ultimately contain a searchable digital catalogue and digital photo archive.

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ORAL HISTORY INITIATIVE

The Oracle Historical Society has for a number of years in gathered oral histories from its long-time residents. Spearheaded by Margaret Guyton, this project has received past funding from the Arizona Historical Society. We are now looking to broaden our efforts and reach out to diverse members in our community. One step in this direction was a recent Arizona Humanities Council-funded series of talks, Oral Histories Along the Border, which explored how oral history helps us to uncover histories that would otherwise remain hidden.

We are now seeking funds to launch a schoolchildren's oral-history initiative, in collaboration with local schools, as well as transcribe our oral history interviews in order to ensure that they are preserved and can be made accessible to the public. We will also continue to seek the voices of diverse members of our community. To find out more, please email us at azohs@earthlink.net or call 520-896-9609.

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Started in 1882 as a sheep ranch, the Acadia Ranch was soon after converted into a "guest health resort" for tuberculosis sufferers (then called “lungers”). In 1978 it was purchased by the Society and transformed into the Acadia Ranch Museum. As a community museum, the collections – which range from Hohokam pottery to ranching and mining artifacts to the accoutrements of early 20th century households – reflect our region's diverse and fascinating history. Current efforts are underway to update and expand their display in a series of theme-based exhibitions. Click here to learn more.

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AMERICAN FLAG RANCH

In the Fall of 1999, the Society acquired The American Flag Ranch on Mt. Lemmon Road. In recognition of its important historic role as one of the Arizona Territory's first post offices, it has been placed on the National Register.

Phase Two will include the extensive restoration and beautification of the property, as well as the creation of public-use facilities geared towards hikers and horseback riders interested in exploring the adjacent portion of the Arizona Trail. Interpretive exhibits will complement those to be found at the Acadia Ranch Museum.

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ARIZONA’S FORGOTTEN “C”
The Story of Citrus and the Art It Inspired

In 2004, the Oracle Historical Society received an Arizona Historical Society grant to develop an exhibit on the history of citrus in Arizona, as revealed through the artwork made for citrus crate labels. The Society is grateful to Oracle resident Royal John Medly for generously sharing his recognized expertise and images from his wonderful packing-crate label collection. The Society also thanks local artist and graphic designer Imo Baird for his contributions to the exhibit. Click here to learn more.

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THE SPIRIT OF ORACLE

In 2004, well-known local author Barbara Marriot received an AHS grant to create a video on the history of Oracle. She recedived assistance in this endeavor with assistance from Jim Turner of the Arizona Historical Society, Bruce Dingus, Arizona Journal Editor and Alex Kimmelman from Pima Community College's Oral History Center. H. Tom Thompson, Oracle history expert, both contributed expertise and played the part of an early prospector who doubles as lead narrator.

Artist and long-time OHS member Andy Rush recently initiated the refurbishment of a collection of paintings by cowboy painter Lee Kannally. Lee, whose family owned and operated their ranch where the Oracle State Park now resides, was known as one of the most skilled ropers of his time. Suffering damage from nerve gas poisoning during his service in World War I, Lee painted most of his work while bending over his bed with the canvas flat on the floor. You can see a number of these paintings on display at the Acadia Ranch Museum.

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