We Will Miss Our Friends

George Smith

George Smith could always be counted on to have a smile and a song. During Spanish Colonial Days Mr. Smith could be found with a literal banjo on his knee, at the Wheelwright Shop and the Shepherd’s Cabin. No matter where George was he had an audience. George first became a volunteer in 1997 earning…

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Historian Tom Chavez Receives Honor from Spain

Historian Thomas Chavez

Historian and Las Golondrinas Board member Dr. Tom Chavez has again been honored by Spain for his work.  Dr. Chavez was nominated and unanimously accepted into Spain’s Real Academia de la Historia as an “academic correspondent”.  This is special because it not only recognizes the contributions of an American historian but also because in 1784, Benjamin Franklin…

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Congratulations Kathy Carey!

Kathy Carey Retires

  Our dear friend and Director of Development Kathy Carey (Pictured with her husband Richard Sundt) has decided to retire from El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Although she will be greatly missed we are happy for her new chapter in life and wish her all the best. Congratulations!

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New Strategic Plan

2019 is here! It’s a new year and the staff at El Rancho de las Golondrinas is preparing for another fabulous season just ahead! As we enter the new year, we are also embarking on a brand new, three year Strategic Plan which will guide us through a variety of goals and objectives. The mission…

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Object of the Month

Spanish Colonial scissors

by Amanda Mather This month we talk about one of those things that, although we use constantly, it’s easy to forget what a revolution they must have been. Think of the world without scissors! Invented in Mesopotamia around 4,000 years ago, the scissors of yesteryear are often not the type we think of or see…

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Volunteering is Fun!

Lous Callaghan

This month’s volunteer profile features Lois Callaghan. “The first time I visited Santa Fe and New Mexico was in 1960. Overwhelmed by the beautiful sky, the mountains, and the friendly people, my dream of living in this very special place finally came true in 1999.  Retiring after thirty years as an educator, my husband, Dick,…

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Volunteering is Fun!

Volunteer Jerry Kerr

This month’s volunteer profile features Jerry Kerr. “Being a volunteer with El Rancho de las Golondrinas has been a rejuvenating experience for me. I majored in American Studies in my undergraduate (UMBC) and graduate (U of Wyoming) programs with a focus on American History and Museums. My first credible job in New Mexico came in…

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Object of the Month

Singer Sewing Machine

by Amanda Mather The sewing machine was invented in 1755 by a German, but was not really a thing that got off the ground until the mid-1850’s in America. The sewing machine has an oddly tumultuous history. It looks like Singer, as in Isaac Merritt Singer, ripped the thing off from a gent named Elias…

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Volunteer Training Dates Set for 2019

Every year, El Rancho de las Golondrinas presents training sessions for all of our new and seasoned volunteers. Staff members as well as noted authorities present the material for these sessions. Topics are wide ranging including an overview of the Ranch and its 34 historic buildings, its founding and history as a stop (paraje) on…

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