America’s Semiquincentennial celebration continues throughout the nation, and the Oro Valley Historical Society is celebrating all month with its exhibit, “America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley.” Visit the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to see how the patriots’ visions and actions led to the formation of the state of Arizona and eventually the incorporation of the Town of Oro Valley. Free self-guided tours are available, with volunteers on-site to answer questions and provide additional information. Donations are accepted to help keep Oro Valley history alive.
April 11 walking tours and garden fundraiser
On Saturday, April 11, a naturalist will guide one-hour gentle walking tours around the Ranch, sharing knowledge about the plants, people, geology, and geography of the area. Tours will end at the Society-maintained Heritage Garden, where participants will see a replica of a Tohono O’odham pit house and the sustainable crops growing this season. Visitors may also participate in the Garden Fundraiser to support ongoing efforts. A list of needed items is available at https://www.ovhistory.org. Cash donations are accepted, and seeds from the garden will be available for purchase.
Taste of Oro Valley returns April 12
On April 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Steam Pump Ranch will host the Rotary-sponsored 11th Annual “Taste of Oro Valley.” The event supports Edge High School and Stand Up for Kids Tucson. The evening will feature food tastings, a wine and beer garden, live music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. The Pusch House Museum will be open during the event for visitors who wish to explore local history.
Final exhibit dates April 18 and April 25
April 18 and April 25 will be the final opportunities to view the Semiquincentennial exhibit during the Society’s 20th anniversary season.
Library presentation scheduled April 30
The final presentation of the season will be held April 30 at the Oro Valley Public Library. Dr. Michael Fassett, President of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, will present “Sakellar and Savage Sculptures.” The presentation will include discussion of the sculpture located on Oracle Road at the entrance to Oro Valley Country Club Estates. The program begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
Annual meeting highlights past year
The Society held its annual meeting on March 26, reviewing the successes of its 20th anniversary year and outlining plans for the upcoming season. The organization expressed appreciation to its Board for its leadership.
Summer work focuses on exhibits and digitization
This marks the Society’s final submission to LOVE for the season. Work will continue over the summer to plan and research new exhibits for the Pusch House Museum, which will reopen in September. The Society will also begin digitizing its collection of documents and archives through a grant from the Arizona Historical Society. Volunteers with an interest in history, computers, or library work are invited to participate. Work will take place at the Pusch House Museum.
Thank you to the community
The Society thanks the community for its support throughout the season, including visits, donations, and volunteer efforts. As the 1966 song says, “See You in September.”
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