Join the Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) this month for a full slate of activities celebrating its 20th year. Events take place at historic Steam Pump Ranch unless otherwise noted.
Through November 15 – “The Society Begins” exhibit
Visit the Pusch House Museum to learn how and why the Oro Valley Historical Society got started. Who was involved? When did it happen? And most importantly—why? All your questions will be answered.
November 1 – Partners on site
As part of the new “Be Our Ranch Guest” program, OVHS welcomes three non-profits to the Ranch:
- Sol Dog Lodge will collect pet food (open bags accepted) and provide donuts for donors.
- We Care Tucson will accept new or used small electronics—computers, monitors, cell phones, and more—for refurbishing or recycling, keeping these devices out of local landfills.
- Gap Ministries will collect pasta, pasta sauce (jars accepted), and new unwrapped toys from their online wishlist: Amazon link.
Gap Ministries continues to collect pasta, pasta sauce, and new unwrapped toys for foster children.
We Care Tucson will again accept new or used small electronics to refurbish for underserved Tucson residents.
November 8 – Guided walks and Heritage Garden
Take one of two guided, one-hour gentle walks around the property with a naturalist. Learn about local flora, fauna, geology, and the Heritage Garden—maintained by OVHS volunteers—featuring desert plants used by native peoples for thousands of years. Don’t miss the pit house representation.
November 15 and 22 – Ongoing Gap Ministries collections
Gap Ministries returns on both dates to collect pasta, pasta sauce, and new unwrapped toys for foster kids and families.
November 19 – Presentation at the Oro Valley Public Library
At 10:00 a.m., Mary Jo McMullen, a volunteer at Tohono Chul and a docent at the Tucson Museum of Art, will introduce the Hohokam Culture and the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People who lived in the Tucson Valley 1,500 years ago. Learn about their culture through artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, petroglyphs, clothing, and acid-etched shells.
November 22 – “Holidays Include Everyone” exhibit opens
Visit the Pusch House Museum for a new exhibit celebrating the variety of holiday traditions in our diverse community. You might even find inspiration for your own celebrations!
This is also the last day to purchase a Jim Click Raffle ticket from OVHS for a chance to win a 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige. All proceeds benefit the Oro Valley Historical Society, thanks to Mr. Click’s generosity.
November 29 – Museum closed for Thanksgiving weekend
The Pusch House Museum will be closed. OVHS wishes everyone a warm and grateful Thanksgiving weekend—and expresses heartfelt thanks for the community’s ongoing support.
Event information
All OVHS events are free; donations are appreciated. For details and updates, visit ovhistory.org.
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