Updated: 5/28/2011 
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Description

This dynamic, interactive museum tells the story of 3,000 years of farming and ranching in New Mexico. Spread across 47 acres, the museum features many animals, demonstrations, indoor and outdoor exhibits, special events, and a gift shop.

Our Adventure Corral and the interactive portion of our exhibits make the museum especially fun for children. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the demonstrations, such as milking and blacksmithing, as well as our livestock tours.

Many of the museum's attractions are outdoors, so visitors are encouraged to take precautions against the sun, especially during the summer months, and dress warmly in the winter. Also, don't forget to bring your camera.

Eagle Ranch Mercantile has a variety of souvenir and gift ideas, as well as beverages and snacks. We have spacious parking lot that is ideal for motorcoaches, RV's, and trailers; however, there is no overnight parking or camping allowed.

The Museum is always looking for new additions to the collections. We'd be delighted to speak with you about potential donations of objects of all kinds as well as books, farm implement manuals, or old photographs and papers

Mission

The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum connects the present generation to the history of farming and ranching in New Mexico, inspiring a deeper appreciation and understanding of the state's rich heritage. The museum accomplishes this by providing exhibitions and programs that enable its users to understand and learn from the past in ways that enrich their present lives and help them shape a better future.

History

The museum, which is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, opened in 1998 and continues to be a work in progress. The facility started with the Bruce King Building, and through the years has added three barns, livestock pens, gardens, a field, a greenhouse, vineyard and orchards.

Artifact Collections

A wide-ranging collection of farming and ranching implements, tools, and household materials, from the state's three major cultures (Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo), bulking between the late 19th and late 20th centuries. Artifacts for earlier periods needed for exhibits are acquired on loan from sister institutions in the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Programs

The museum has a wide array of on-site and outreach programming for all types of school and travel groups. These include daily demonstrations, livestock and farming programs, gallery tours, scheduled lecture programs. Outreach efforts include a demonstration chuck wagon.

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Governance

The museum is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Library

Access: General Public

Appointment required: True

Services
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Event Rental
Restaurant
Group Tours
DISCLAIMER
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