October 4: partners on site
Gap Ministries and Interfaith Community Services (ICS) will be on site. ICS will collect holiday food donations. Think about what you would like on your own table and donate those items. Gap Ministries will accept new or gently used shorts and pants (sizes 6–16) for foster kids. Learn more: ICS food drive · Gap Ministries clothing drive.
Through October 11: “Restoring the Past” exhibit
Explore how Town staff, OVHS volunteers, and archaeologists uncovered the stories within Steam Pump Ranch’s buildings and grounds—what was found, how it was preserved, and what it reveals about more than a century of life at the Ranch.
October 11: 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.
October 11: Jim Click raffle vehicle on display
See the first-place prize in this year’s Jim Click Raffle up close—the Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige. Tickets benefit OVHS thanks to the Jim Click program: $25 for one ticket or $100 for five. Proceeds go to the selling nonprofit.
October 18: new exhibit opens
A new exhibit highlights OVHS itself—why it formed 20 years ago, who was involved, and how the mission has grown.
October 6 at the library
At 2 p.m. at the Oro Valley Public Library, Mary Conroy of the Empire Ranch Foundation shares the fascinating history of Empire Ranch and previews festivities planned for the November 1 Cowboy Festival in Sonoita.
October 25–26: OV Fall Art Festival booth
Visit OVHS at the Art State Arizona (formerly SAACA) Fall Art Festival at Oro Valley Marketplace, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. both days.
Free to attend; Donations welcome
There is no charge to attend OVHS events; donations are appreciated. Details and updates: ovhistory.org.
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