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Education Materials/Tours

 
 
The National Ranching Heritage Center Education Department strives to preserve the history of ranching, pioneer life and the development of the livestock industry in North America. Educational programs, tours and living history events offer meaningful learning experiences for school groups and visitors of all ages.
 
Self-Guided Tours
Most tours are self-guided and are 60-90 minutes in length. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting Emily Arellano by e-mail (emily.arellano@ttu.edu) or by phone (806) 742-0498. Upon arrival, visitors are given Walking Tour Brochures that include a map of the site and a brief history of each building. Historic structures at the National Ranching Heritage represent ranch life from the 1780s to 1930s.
 
A tour guide may be requested for groups of 25 or more with two weeks advance notice. Guides are provided based on availability.
 
Supervision
One adult is required to supervise every 10 students. Teachers and parents serving as chaperones for their groups
are responsible for supervising students at all times. To ensure safety, running on the site or climbing on the hills is prohibited. Please make sure all teachers and parent volunteers are familiar with the museum's rules that are sent with each tour confirmation.
 
Accommodations
The Pitchfork Pavilion may be reserved in advance for groups up to 100 people. Restrooms and water fountains are located at the museum building and in the 6666 Barn. Food or drink is not allowed on the site or in the museum building.
 
Special Needs
The DeVitt-Mallet Museum Building and historical park are handicap accessible. For additional accommodations, contact the Education Department one week in advance of your scheduled tour.
 
In Case of Inclement Weather
In the event of rain or high winds, many buildings will be closed. If inclement weather occurs, call to reschedule your tour to take full advantage of your time at the National Ranching Heritage Center.
 
Classroom Preparation
Preparing your students and parent volunteers to visit the historical park is an important part of an enjoyable tour experience. Before your tour, discuss the importance of respecting and preserving artifacts. Teacher Resource Packets are available for pre-visit activities that help students gain a deeper understanding of ranching and pioneer life.
 
Discussion questions might include: What was life like on the open range before electricity, transportation and running water were readily available? How much did a cowboy earn for a week of work, and what things did he spend it on? What did pioneer families do for fun and entertainment?
 
It is also important to note that 35 of the 37 structures at the National Ranching Heritage Center have been moved from their original setting and relocated to the NRHC's historic site. The 1780s Spanish compound, Los Corralitos, and portions of the 1908 6666 Barn are replicas. All of the buildings have been authentically restored to their original condition and characterize the architectural and environmental surroundings of the time period the structure represents. For classroom pre-visit activities, refer to the Teacher's Resource list.
 
Virtual Tour
To build background knowledge before their visit, students can take a virtual tour by clicking on each building located on the map of the museum and historical park. Students can read a brief summary about each building and click on the image to see inside some of the structures.
 

Teacher Resources
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills are included in pre-visit materials and are available upon request.

· Pre-K -Scavenger Fun Hunt
· Grade K-1 - Homes of the West
· Grade 2-3 - A Day on the Trail
· Grades 4-7 - Head 'Em Up, Move 'Em Out!
· Four Sixes Educational Packet

For secondary materials, contact the Education Department at emily.arellano@ttu.edu 

 
NRHC/Gift Shop Hours
The National Ranching Heritage Center and Cogdell's General Store are open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 — 5 p.m. Students should be accompanied by an adult when visiting the gift shop.
 

Fees
Admission is free. However, donations are gratefully accepted.

 

Location
The National Ranching Heritage Center is located at 3121 Fourth Street, Lubbock, Texas, east of Indiana Avenue on Fourth Street.

Phone: (806) 742-0498
Fax: (806) 742-0616
E-mail: emily.arellano@ttu.edu 

 

 
Copyright © 2003, National Ranching Heritage Center