Update on Historic New Mexico Museum Damaged by Flood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: December 13, 2018 — When record torrential rains hit Santa Fe in July, water roared through El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the living history museum south of Santa Fe in La Cienega that dates back to the early 1700s.

Although no one was injured and no buildings were damaged, the flash flood tore out a foot bridge, fences, trees, and flooded performance areas.

Bridge to school house

Most important, the flood cut off water flowing into the centuries-old, historic acequia that waters crops which provide educational programs and a Harvest Festival experience for visitors — plus fresh food for the Santa Fe Food Bank.

An enormous logjam, further down La Cienega creek on Museum property, had to be removed, since it could cause further flooding.

Staff and heavy equipment contractors quickly replaced the bridge, but more and costly critical repair work remained.  The Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, launched an emergency funding request to pay for this unexpected work.

So many wonderful folks responded almost immediately.  In just three weeks, $18,122 was raised. These funds were used to make the following repairs to the property:

$2,330 contractual services for stream crossing repair providing access for our guests to the back side of the Ranch

$7,386 contractual services for tree trimming and removal

$1,573 equipment and fuel purchases for flood damage debris removal

$5,006 base course, flagstone and railroad ties for repair of roads and stream crossing

Total spent:  $16,295.00

The remaining amount raised, $1,827 has been placed in a special emergency fund which can be used in the event of another natural disaster.

The Board, staff and volunteers of El Rancho de las Golondrinas wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this emergency fundraising campaign.  Thanks to your contributions, the Ranch is back in tip top shape, with full access to all 200+ acres for our guests!  Below is a photo of the new bridge and stairway that leads to the back side of the Ranch.

We have a great 2019 season planned so please come out and visit us between June 1 and October 26, 2019!

Media Contact
Name: Kathryn Ann Carey
Title: Director of Development
Phone: 505-471-2261
Email address: [email protected]

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