The Rock Ledge Ranch Living History Museum 2008 Events Calendar is available in a downloadable PDF format. Download the 2008 events brochure.

"Go green" at Rock Ledge Ranch and celebrate the environment in one of the most pastoral settings in the city.

All homes and living history areas will be open.

Special activities include the planting of our historic apple orchard and also Toba Hawthorne trees near the American Mothers' Chapel; the public is invited to join in.

Be sure to check out our newly-restored sprinkler wagon, which originally operated on the streets of Colorado Springs in the early 1900s.

A visit to the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, the living history museum of the Pikes Peak Region, allows visitors to experience the lives of the people who dweled, worked, hunted, herded and raised families in this area from the 1700s to the early 20th century. Throughout the 220-acre site, costumed interpreters tell the stories and demonstrate work, tools, and abilities of these people through four time periods.

Be a part of history! Visit the:

• 1775-1835 American Indian Area where visitors have an opportunity to see an elk or buffalo hide tipi, a wide variety of tools and items used in every day tasks, play games and listen to stores of Ute or Plains Indian culture.
• 1860's Galloway Homestead one-room log cabin depicting life in the rough and tumble west before the railroad.
• 1880's Chambers working farm and Rock Ledge House, which was a boarding house as well as the family dwelling; plus a smokehouse, root cellar, and partially restored apple orchard.
• 1907 Orchard House, a gracious Edwardian, Dutch Colonial country estate, built by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, for relatives, William and Charlotte Sclater.
• In addition, visitors can see the craftsmanship of a 19th century blacksmith, drink a cold sarsarilla at the Heritage Shop, and see heirloom breeds of farm animals about the site.

Homespun Fun at the Ranch

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Mark Gardner & Rex Rideout: Music of the Wild West

7:00 PM

The premier interpreters of the historic music of the American West, Mark Gardner & Rex Rideout have taken their educational performances to museums and historic sites across the country, from Fort Union National Historic Site in North Dakota to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Their appreciative audiences have included Wyoming schoolchildren, Nebraska military veterans, and Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico. Their authentic music is featured in the visitor center films at several National Park Service historic sites, and their latest book and CD, Jack Thorp's Songs of the Cowboys, received the Ralph Emerson Twitchell Award from the Historical Society of New Mexico. For their performance at Rock Ledge Ranch, Gardner & Rideout will explore the music of traders, soldiers, prospectors, cowboys, and homesteaders of the 19th and early 20th century frontier using a variety of vintage instruments, including banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bones.

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Basic Blacksmith Workshop will be back for its 5th year. Ranch blacksmith, and one of the Pikes Peak Region’s most accomplished craftsmen, Andy Morris, will conduct two one-day workshops for beginners and those who have a minimal amount of experience. These hands-on workshops will include an overview of blacksmithing history, tools, techniques and discussions of supplies necessary for starting you own shop. Each participant will forge practical and decorative items from hot steel to take home and amaze their family and friends!

Cost: $150, Reservations required: 719-578-6777

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Basic Blacksmith Workshop will be back for its 5th year. Ranch blacksmith, and one of the Pikes Peak Region’s most accomplished craftsmen, Andy Morris, will conduct two one-day workshops for beginners and those who have a minimal amount of experience.

These hands-on workshops will include an overview of blacksmithing history, tools, techniques and discussions of supplies necessary for starting you own shop.

Each participant will forge practical and decorative items from hot steel to take home and amaze their family and friends!

Cost: $150, Reservations required: 719-578-6777

Celebrate the Red White & Blue - Independence Day!

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Visitors have an opportunity to hear Abraham Lincoln recite the Gettsyburg Address, General William Jackson Palmer read the Declaration of Independence, Katherine Lee Bates talk bout her inspiration for “America the Beautiful” or visit a Civil War encampment and a Buffalo Soldier bivouac.

There will be carnival games in the barn with prizes! (Tickets available at a nominal fee.)

Buy a hot dog, taste homemade ice cream and it on the Orchard House lawn to hear patriotic music by the Fountain Creek Brass Band!

Active Duty and Retired Military and their immediate family members are admitted free with ID.

Willie Houston & The Blues Prowlers

7:00 PM

A" life in the blues" best describes 81-year old Louisiana Delta bluesman Willie Houston. Willie was born to perform, and his lifelong love of the blues has never faltered. From his humble beginnings in the Delta cotton fields to the blues stages of America, the blues have been a way of life for Willie Houston.

With the release of his 2001 CD "Bluesman Willie Houston," he has a newfound popularity that has opened many ears to this distinctive musical art form that has a very limited number of surviving alumni. It is well known that or every bluesman like BB King, John Lee Hooker, or Muddy Waters, there were literally hundreds of Delta bluesmen from that same era that didn't go to Memphis or Chicago. They were never heard by the likes of Alan Lomax nor had a chance to record for the Library of Congress.

For this special evening at Rock Ledge Ranch, you will receive a rare opportunity to see and hear a true American cultural treasure.

Legend & Legacy - Historical Outdoor Theatre

7:00 PM

Legend & Legacy has been entertaining and educating people about the history of the Pikes Peak region for over 25 years. Their “Gallery of Ghosts” format introduces audiences to many historical figures, including General Palmer, Laura Belle McDaniel, and Judge Baldwin, as well as composite characters like the Old Colorado City Man and the Temperance Lady. Their stories are told with a mix of fun-loving comedy and earnest drama and accented with beautiful original and traditional music, delivering a memorable experience for all.

Bring a picnic dinner and a lawn chair then enjoy an evening of Historical Theater out under the stars. Show starts at 7 PM.

Legend & Legacy - Historical Outdoor Theatre

7:00 PM

Legend & Legacy has been entertaining and educating people about the history of the Pikes Peak region for over 25 years. Their “Gallery of Ghosts” format introduces audiences to many historical figures, including General Palmer, Laura Belle McDaniel, and Judge Baldwin, as well as composite characters like the Old Colorado City Man and the Temperance Lady. Their stories are told with a mix of fun-loving comedy and earnest drama and accented with beautiful original and traditional music, delivering a memorable experience for all.

Bring a picnic dinner and a lawn chair then enjoy an evening of Historical Theater out under the stars. Show starts at 7 PM.

Legend & Legacy - Historical Outdoor Theatre

7:00 PM

Legend & Legacy has been entertaining and educating people about the history of the Pikes Peak region for over 25 years. Their “Gallery of Ghosts” format introduces audiences to many historical figures, including General Palmer, Laura Belle McDaniel, and Judge Baldwin, as well as composite characters like the Old Colorado City Man and the Temperance Lady. Their stories are told with a mix of fun-loving comedy and earnest drama and accented with beautiful original and traditional music, delivering a memorable experience for all.

Bring a picnic dinner and a lawn chair then enjoy an evening of Historical Theater out under the stars. Show starts at 7 PM.

Julia Archibald Holmes Sesquicentennial

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

From August 1-5, 1858, Colorado's original "Bloomer gal," Julia Archibald Holmes, made the first recorded ascent of Pikes Peak by an Anglo woman.  And she did it in her bloomers, a combination of a short, knee-length dress with long pantalettes reaching down to the ankles.  Bloomers, also known as the "reform dress," were often worn by early-day feminists, whose ranks included the 20-year-old Julia Archibald Holmes.

She was one of only two women in a party of gold seekers from Lawrence, Kansas,who hunted for gold in the Pikes Peak region during the summer of 1858.  In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Julia's famous ascent of Pikes Peak with her husband James, Rock Ledge Ranch will re-create Julia's camp, complete with tents, prairie schooner, livestock, prospectors, and even Julia herself.

Talks and living history demonstrations will round out the day's exciting activities.

A Southern Colorado Bluegrass and Culinary Arts Festival

3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Foot-stomping bluegrass music, cooking demonstrations, living history activities, and, of course, the delectable food and wine tastings, have quickly made this event a regional favorite. Featured bands this year include the award-winning Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, regional favorite Sons & Brothers, the Mike & Amy Finders Band, and the Ackermans.  Sample food from more than two dozen of Colorado Springs’ finest restaurants, including The Warehouse, Margaritas at Pine Creek, The Craftwood, and the Blue Star. Where else can you sip a vintage wine, listen to bluegrass melodies and enjoy a gorgeous view of Pikes Peak?  Bring chairs or a blanket for seating at the concert. The festival will be held rain or shine. All proceeds benefit Rock Ledge Ranch.

For more information on the bands, the day’s schedule, and to purchase tickets online, visit the festival web site: www.fiddlesvittlesandvino.com.  Tickets are limited, so purchase early.

COST:
Adults (13 years and older): $30 before August 15, $40 after August 15
Children: $8 before August 15, $10 after August 15  
Living History Association Members $30

Advance purchase at Heritage Shop, admissions gate or FiddlesVittlesandVino.com

Absolutely no passes or coupons accepted for this event

Ticket holders have unrestricted access to bluegrass performances and food and beverage samplings.

Note:due to the nature of this event, the site will be closed to all except ticket holders for the duration of the Festival.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Thanks to the AFL and CIO, today was set aside as a day of rest for everyone who works for a living.

The highlight is our annual vintage base ball match between the Camp Creek Cloud Busters (your home team) and the Colorado Territorial All-Stars from Denver.  The Cloud Busters is no “farm team,” but needs your support to cheer them on to another victory! The first pitch will be at 1:00 pm.

The rules are different; no one wears a mitt or glove (except the catcher), and “cranks” (that’s you, the spectators) can influence the umpire’s call in your team’s favor!

Picnics are welcome, but don’t miss the opportunity to sip a cold cream soda or root bear available for purchase at the Heritage Shop. Vendors will be here to supply hotdogs, popcorn and ice cream as well. It may be the end of summer, but not the fun!

Huzzah for the National Game!

Noon to 6:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $6, Seniors: $4, Children 6-12: $2
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $6, Seniors: $4, Children 6-12: $2
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $6, Seniors: $4, Children 6-12: $2
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

A native of Great Britain, Mark Aspery has been forging iron since 1974.  He is a certified journeyman blacksmith with the prestigious Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and the author of numerous blacksmithing articles and books, including The Skills of the Blacksmith: Mastering the Fundamentals of Blacksmithing, published last year.  Mark opened a respected blacksmithing school eight years ago in Springville, California, where he now resides.  As a renowned instructor, he is in high demand for workshops and demonstrations across the country.  "I think that the single most important event that has improved my blacksmithing,"

Mark writes, "has been teaching it - having to know the root of the skill or information." Rock Ledge Ranch is fortunate to have Mark Aspery as its featured demonstrator in 2008 for our popular annual exhibition and demonstration of the blacksmith's art.

Cost: $20.00 payable on the day of demonstration.

Colorado History School Program - By Reservation Only

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, Late September through October

The early residents of the Pikes Peak Region and the Central Front Range are brought to life through interactions between students and staff, including American Indian groups, miners, health seekers and farmers.

After a stimulating introduction in the Carriage House, students walk either to the homestead cabin, the farm or the American Indian area on site where costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like here in the pre-railroad era.

Students have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities throughout the 1-1/2 hour program.

Aimed at grades three and four, our program meets state standards in history and enhances social studies and science curriculum. Teachers are provided a packet of information full instructions and preparation for the site visit as well as suggesting pre- and post-visit activities. Living history is a highly informative and effective way to teach the subject matter.

Home school groups are encouraged to participate. Call 578-6777 for additional information and make reservations for your class.

Cost: $3.00/person; 2 adults per group admitted free; $45.00 minimum

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free Admission

In recognition of the bounty of a traditional fall harvest, the Ranch is open free of admission on this day.

The Chambers’ 1880s farm will be filled with activities and fun in the crisp autumn air. Ride a pony or a horse-drawn wagon, listen to old-time music, pick a pumpkin to take home, tour the restored 1880s Rock Ledge House and 1907 Estate House.

Fees apply to most activities.

Bid for fine, handcrafted folk art at the silent auction.

Plan to stay through the day as food vendors will be on site.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

The rich American Indian heritage of the Pikes Peak region - including the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes - is explored on a daily basis at Rock Ledge Ranch. But on this special day, the Ranch celebrates America's indigenous nations with dancing, storytelling, and lecture presentations.

Enjoy traditional foods like fry bread and Indian tacos. Shop for traditional Indian handicrafts.

This event is made possible in part through the gracious support of the Colorado Springs American Indian community.

Traditional Hog Processing

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

“Everything but the oink!” - an old saying that sums up the dietary and economic importance of hogs to farmers, ranchers and homesteaders.

To keep the meat from spoiling during the curing process, hogs were processed in the coolest, fall months of the year.  Lard was rendered to use for baking and to make soap and medicinals.

Everyone participated in this annual event, so dress for the weather and join us at the barnyard for this educational demonstration.

In addition to hog processing, you can observe sausage and soap making at the Rock Ledge House and the Galloway Cabin.

Special assistance provided by Zettlemoyer’s Custom Meat Processing.

11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - By Advance Reservation Only

Enjoy an intimate tour of the Rock Ledge House, decorated for a family celebration in the 1880s, and the elegant Orchard House, dressed graciously to entertain notable guests in 1907. Decorating ideas abound and recipes will be shared from the cook’s own collection. Enjoy tea and other treats served by the attentive staff.

A limited number of persons may be accommodated for each tour and advance reservations are absolutely required.

Reservations accepted beginning September 1, contact the Ranch at 578-6777.

Cost:  $15.00 per person; $12.00 for LHA members

11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - By Advance Reservation Only

Enjoy an intimate tour of the Rock Ledge House, decorated for a family celebration in the 1880s, and the elegant Orchard House, dressed graciously to entertain notable guests in 1907. Decorating ideas abound and recipes will be shared from the cook’s own collection. Enjoy tea and other treats served by the attentive staff.

A limited number of persons may be accommodated for each tour and advance reservations are absolutely required.

Reservations accepted beginning September 1, contact the Ranch at 578-6777.

Cost:  $15.00 per person; $12.00 for LHA members

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Rock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of this traditionally festive season.

Each evening features jingle-bell wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern light tours to the 1860s homestead cabin, blacksmithing demonstrations, a barn dance, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House.

St. Nicholas will be in the Carriage House to visit with children and adults and a photographer will be on hand to capture the moment. Purchase those extra special gifts at the Heritage Shop. Hot cider and other goodies will be available at several locations around the Ranch. Admission price includes all activities and tours. Volunteer assistance provided by the Living History Association.
 

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Rock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of this traditionally festive season.

Each evening features jingle-bell wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern light tours to the 1860s homestead cabin, blacksmithing demonstrations, a barn dance, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House.

St. Nicholas will be in the Carriage House to visit with children and adults and a photographer will be on hand to capture the moment. Purchase those extra special gifts at the Heritage Shop. Hot cider and other goodies will be available at several locations around the Ranch. Admission price includes all activities and tours. Volunteer assistance provided by the Living History Association.
 

11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - By Advance Reservation Only

Enjoy an intimate tour of the Rock Ledge House, decorated for a family celebration in the 1880s, and the elegant Orchard House, dressed graciously to entertain notable guests in 1907. Decorating ideas abound and recipes will be shared from the cook’s own collection. Enjoy tea and other treats served by the attentive staff.

A limited number of persons may be accommodated for each tour and advance reservations are absolutely required.

Reservations accepted beginning September 1, contact the Ranch at 578-6777.

Cost:  $15.00 per person; $12.00 for LHA members

11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - By Advance Reservation Only

Enjoy an intimate tour of the Rock Ledge House, decorated for a family celebration in the 1880s, and the elegant Orchard House, dressed graciously to entertain notable guests in 1907. Decorating ideas abound and recipes will be shared from the cook’s own collection. Enjoy tea and other treats served by the attentive staff.

A limited number of persons may be accommodated for each tour and advance reservations are absolutely required.

Reservations accepted beginning September 1, contact the Ranch at 578-6777.

Cost:  $15.00 per person; $12.00 for LHA members

11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - By Advance Reservation Only

Enjoy an intimate tour of the Rock Ledge House, decorated for a family celebration in the 1880s, and the elegant Orchard House, dressed graciously to entertain notable guests in 1907. Decorating ideas abound and recipes will be shared from the cook’s own collection. Enjoy tea and other treats served by the attentive staff.

A limited number of persons may be accommodated for each tour and advance reservations are absolutely required.

Reservations accepted beginning September 1, contact the Ranch at 578-6777.

Cost:  $15.00 per person; $12.00 for LHA members