The RACC recently sat down with the Board President of the Ouray County Ranch History Museum Joan Chismire to learn more about the historical organization.
1. When was the Ouray County Ranch History Museum established and would you share with us about some of the museum’s history?
The beginning seeds of what eventually became the Ouray County Ranch History Museum (OCRHM) began when a group of locals got together in 2002 in hopes of saving the history of the ranch families. There were around 15 volunteers who wanted to participate and about 7 committee members of the newly-formed "Ranching History of Ouray County at the Ridgway Library", who worked collectively gathering the information from families (both here and all throughout the US) through written interviews and taped recordings. The stories were compiled into current books that we sell known as the Ranching History of Ouray County Volume 1 and Volume 2. OCRHM has a wide variety of other locally created books and merchandise available for purchase at our location as well.
After a book-signing party in 2004, many ranchers wanted to donate historic items. We became a non-profit museum in 2006. We leased two classrooms in the Colona School for about 10 years. Then in 2016, the Mitchell family contacted us (as they wished to sell their home), originally the Depot. We were able to secure it from them through donor assistance. We also secured the large acreage to the north through a long-term lease. In 2017, OCRHM invited the Railroad Museum onboard to create a dual ~18-acre museum campus, showcasing our upcoming experimential ranch museum complex on the N. 10 acres and the RR Museum, eventually including the Depot, on the S.
2. How long have you been a part of the OCRHM and are you volunteer based?
I have been here from the beginning- since 2002; back then, there were a total of 7 of us -with 3 being the most primary. OCRHM is a 501c3 all-volunteer organization, with 6 consistent volunteers and a board of 8 directors. We invite others to join!
3. What is some history about Ridgway that locals might be interested to learn?
I think one of the most interesting things to understand is why Ridgway is so special. For years (almost 40) it was believed that Ridgway would be buried beneath a reservoir, so structures fell into disrepair and loans weren’t being provided by the banks. It wasn’t until 1971 that the town was notified that the state would move the reservoir project 4 miles north. This to me was what I consider a re-birth of Ridgway.
4. What are your hours of operation? Any current or upcoming events you would like the community to know about?
Hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays 11am-4pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. Our summer season is from Memorial Day through mid-October- so we will close October 13th. We do offer private tours all year round however- just call. We will be open during Noel Night (Dec 6) and for other community special occasions.
We currently have a wonderful Gallery Show from Fine Arts Photographer Susan Sanburg Humphrey through October 13th. Also showcased are the Mesker Bros’ storefront cast-iron facades that once adorned the now-missing Mears Building in Ridgway. We will do other special functions January through April also.
5. Any final information you would like to share with the Ridgway community?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the OCRHM, you will help shape the future of preserving our ranch history in Ouray County. Consider becoming a member of our museum; help us preserve our history together. When you join, you support the continued growth of our artifact collection, Ranch History tours, special events, and continuing education.
Membership includes:
10% off at our gift shop
First notice of ranch history tour tickets
Annual newsletter
