Page 8 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2024 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

National

Ranching

HERITAGE CENTER

ocated on the Texas Tech University campus in of ranch families
Lubbock, Texas, the National Ranching Heritage who moved out of
LCenter is a 27-acre museum and historical park their dugouts and
with ranching structures and objects dating to the 18th log cabins to build
century. It is literally a museum of buildings preserved the houses, schools,
for historical accuracy that gives a glimpse into early churches and cities
western life. that millions now call
home.”
Structures range in size, function and station in life, but
the preservation of these buildings is essential for one The museum and
common goal: telling the story of ranching. The center historical park were
also includes the Mallet Ranch Museum Building with not formally dedicated
seven galleries emphasizing Western history, art and until 1976, but the
artifacts. concept of a center
to preserve and
The National Ranching Heritage Center hosts interpret ranching
approximately 65,000 visitors each year for its family- history began in 1966.
oriented events, youth education activities, art and The result was a
artifact exhibits, seminars and symposiums that support unique public-private
the mission of "preserving and interpreting the history of partnership between Texas Tech and the Ranching
ranching as well as addressing contemporary ranching Heritage Association, a non-profit member organization
issues." that supports the mission and programs of the NRHC.

How early ranchers and their families adapted to a harsh Although ranches exist in every state of the nation,
environment is a story of self-reliance told through 55 the NRHC assembled structures chosen primarily to
authentic ranching structures preserved in the historic represent the birth, growth and maturity of ranching in
park. Texas and the region west of the Mississippi River, just
as Colonial Williamsburg represents the nation’s history
“Ranching and the westward movement of America east of the river.
share the same chapter in the history books,” said
Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell. “We tell the story

8 Lubbock Senior Link