TIMELINE
Timeline
Long before the Spanish came, the Ancient Ones knew the majestic Cerro Pedernal and the basin it dominates was a sacred space of peace and spiritual power. At Ghost Ranch, held tightly within the embrace of 230 million-year-old red and yellow cliff walls, many feel a sense of belonging, a timeless connection, a feeling of coming home.
Milestones
In such a setting, 60 years is barely a blink of the cosmic eye, but still we celebrate this milestone. We celebrate the stories of the people who have come and gone, all sharing a questing spirit, a sense of adventure and an openness to the compelling beauty and spiritual power-united by land, people have come here for exploration, renewal and transformation.
Stories
We’ve collected stories, most from past Ghost Ranch Journals, some from the book Ghost Ranch by Lesley Poling-Kempes and others from storytellers who have graced us with their vantage points.
We invite you into this celebration of timelessness.
GHOST RANCH – THE FIRST 65 YEARS
2020
Weathering Covid-19
Ghost Ranch must pause operations per state and national guidelines for Covid-19.
65 Years!
Ghost Ranch celebrates 65 year anniversary!
2019
Paul Fogg joins as Executive Director
Paul Fogg joins as Executive Director after extensive search.
A New Way Forward
NGRF Adopts New Vision, Mission and Values.
Replanting after flood
Ghost Ranch carries on and thrives as we replant after the flood.
Debra Hepler retires
Debra Hepler retires as Executive Director.
2018
Designation Adds Ghost Ranch to the National Register of Historic Places
The Whitaker (Coelophysis) Quarry is listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties and Federal Register of Historic Places.
Ghost Ranch Reorganization
Reorganization Ghost Ranch shifts from Presbyterian Mission Agency to Presbyterian Foundation. National Ghost Ranch Foundation becomes governing board.
2015
Flash-flood causes over $500,000 in damages
Flash-flood causes over $500,000 in damages. Thankfully no injuries or fatalities. Buildings lost include Pot Hollow arts and crafts buildings, Short House, the Pole Barn and brand new Fiber Arts Studio.
Ghost Ranch 60 Years Old!
Ghost Ranch celebrates its 60th Anniversary!
2014
Ghost Ranch hosts Wisdom Sharing event
Ghost Ranch hosts Wisdom Sharing event with Alice Walker, Gloria Steinhem, Dr. Hyun Kyung Chung and Melanie Harris
2013
First Annual Ghost Ranch Community Camp
First Annual Ghost Ranch Community Camp – Fostering Leadership in Local Youth
2010
Ghost Ranch closes its Santa Fe facility
Ghost Ranch closes its Santa Fe facility.
2009
Ghost Ranch begins a 10-year retreat series dedicated to Earth Honoring Faith
2008
Debra Hepler named Director of Ghost Ranch
After nation-wide search, Debra Hepler named Director of Ghost Ranch.
2006
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Ends Financial Support
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announces it will no longer financially support the annual operating budget of the Ranch.
Casa del Sol Center Opens
Casa del Sol Spirituality Center opens with service by Rev. John Philip Newell.
2000
Phoebe Pack dies in Tucson
Rob Craig becomes director of Ghost Ranch. Phoebe Pack dies in Tucson.
1998
Joe Keesecker Resigns
Joe Keesecker Resigns.
1996
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Arts Building
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Arts Building.
1995
Ghost Ranch Governing Board is established
Ghost Ranch Governing Board is established.
1994
Quakers meet at Ghost Ranch
Worldwide meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers) meet at Ghost Ranch.
1991
Florence Hawley Ellis dies
Florence Hawley Ellis dies. Constructed Wetlands Project established.
1990
Ghost Ranch Foundation purchases Casa Grande
National Ghost Ranch Foundation purchases the Casa Grande facility of the Plaza del Monte retirement community, which becomes Plaza Resolana. The movie City Slickers is filmed.
1988
Jim Hall dies at his home
Jim Hall dies at his home.
1987
Jim Hall Retires
Jim Hall retires. Joseph Keesecker becomes the director of Ghost Ranch.
1986
Georgia O’Keeffe dies in Santa Fe at the age of 98
Georgia O’Keeffe dies in Santa Fe at the age of 98. “When I think of death, I only regret that I will not be able to see this beautiful country anymore, unless the Indians are right and my spirit will walk here after I’m gone.” -O’Keeffe
1983
Fire destroys Ghost Ranch headquarters
Fire destroys Ghost Ranch headquarters office. O’Keeffe donates $50,000 and use of her name for fundraising. By 1984, new headquarters building is built and dedicated.
1980
Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology dedicated
Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology dedicated. Named for Dr. Florence Hawley Ellis, the original curator of the museum, Dr. Ellis also initiated and led Ghost Ranch archaeology seminar from 1971 until 1990.
1979
Georgia O’Keeffe donates funds to build Director’s House
Ghost Ranch Service Corps begins. Georgia O’Keeffe donates funds to build new staff residence for Jim and Ruth Hall-now known as the Director’s House.
1978
High Desert Research Farm Begins
High Desert Research Farm begins in cooperation with the University of New Mexico’s Department of Engineering.
1976
Coelophysis quarry designated as a National Natural Landmark
Coelophysis quarry designated as a National Natural Landmark. Casitas constructed at Teepee Village. Sun-Dwellings Demonstration Center constructed. Training programs in energy-conserving adobe construction begin.
1975
Arthur Pack Dies
Arthur Pack dies in Tucson. Cremains brought to Ghost Ranch in spring and placed at a pre-selected location above Pine.
The Great Land Trade
The Great Land Trade: 75 families receive clear title to their land (eventually 111 families). U.S. Forest Service receives the Ghost Ranch Museum.
1973
Festival of Arts and Crafts
First “Festival of Arts and Crafts” begins.
1972
National Ghost Ranch Foundation (NGRF) is established
National Ghost Ranch Foundation (NGRF) is established.
1971
Skull Adopted as Ghost Ranch logo
O’Keeffe suggests to Jim Hall that the Ranch place her skull motif on summer program brochures. Hall adopts skull as Ghost Ranch logo.
1969
March on Ghost Ranch requesting return of land
Reies Lopez Tijerina and Alianza Federal de Mercedes march on Ghost Ranch requesting return of land. Welcomed with a handshake and invited for coffee and cookies with Ranch staff and guests.
1968
Anthropologist Florence Hawley Ellis arrives at Ghost Ranch
Anthropologist Florence Hawley Ellis arrives at Ghost Ranch.
1967
National Guard housed at Ghost Ranch
Peace Corps trains for Korean assignment. Alianza Federal de Mercedes raid on Tierra Amarilla Courthouse. National Guard housed at Ghost Ranch.
1966
Winter Grazing Program begins
Winter Grazing Program begins.
Paleontology Program Begins
Week-long paleontology program, taught by Ned Colbert, begins. National Ghost Ranch Foundation is established as a non-profit fundraising branch.
1963
New Highway 84 is completed, Dam begins holding water.
New Highway 84 is completed above Corps of Engineers flood easement for Abiquiu Dam. Divides pasture at Blackie’s, skirts Shiprock and brings the paved road closer to Ghost Ranch. Dam begins holding water.
1962
More Building
Pinion and Willow are ace built. Lowe, Pavilion sides enclosed.
1961
Jim Hall becomes Director of Ghost Ranch.
Jim Hall becomes Director of Ghost Ranch.
1959
Teepee Village is Built
Arthur Pack and William Carr establish Ghost Ranch Museum. Teepee Village is built. Navajo Hogans built by volunteer work group of Navajo clergymen from Granado and Chinle.
1958
More Construction
Dining Hall, Mesa Lodging and Staff House are built from Will Harris Designs. Upper and Lower Pavilion are built with screen sides.
1957
Jim Shibley becomes Supervisor of Ranchlands
Jim Shibley becomes Supervisor of Ranchlands. Federal Government begins condemnation procedures for Abiquiu Dam. Margaret (Peggy) Driscoll gives gift to build swimming pool.
Building Bunkhouses
Hobbs, New Mexico work crews build Padre Jim Bridge and renovate Corral Block, once the cowboy bunkhouse, for guest lodging. Initiated by the National Presbyterian Church Volunteers in Mission office, College Staff-our summer work-study program-begins.
1956
Aspen, Poplar and Convocation Hall are built
Aspen, Poplar and Convocation Hall are built from designs by Will Harris. Board of Christian Education purchases Bennett House to become Director’s House and ultimately, Casa del Sol.
1955
Dude ranch is to become a Presbyterian Study Center
First announcement appears in local and national newspapers that the dude ranch is to become a Presbyterian Study Center.
Arthur and Phoebe Pack give Ghost Ranch to the Presbyterian Church
Arthur and Phoebe Pack give Ghost Ranch to the Board of Christian Education (B.C.E.) of the Presbyterian Church. Paul Calvin Payne serves as board secretary and then first director of Ghost Ranch. Harper Donaldson from Menaul School serves as first business manager; Committee Members: Dale Brubaker, Jim Hall, Dave Sholin..Read More
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Please don't hesitate to give us a call or drop an email:
505.685.1000
280 Private Drive 1708 Abiquiu, NM 87510
HOURS:
9 am - 4 pm Daily