Thanks to the diligence and hard work of our grounds staff and garden volunteers,
more gardens are open this week, including the Cutting Garden, Friendly Garden, and all pathways in the Native and Cactus Gardens.
Additionally, our pathways are back to multi-directional this week-
no more one-way traffic!
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What's Happening at the Rancho? |
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Be sure to stop by the aviary (next to the Sheepherder's Wagon), which previously housed the rabbits, to meet the new ducklings!
We have two white Pekin ducks and two Rouen ducks, all are females. They are 9 weeks old and their fluffy dander is growing out. The Rouens are starting to get very colorful!
Like many youths, these ducks like to make a mess. It's OK, our livestock staff are cleaning and refreshing their enclosure daily.
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(Below) Lydia Shinkle with her niece, Janie Mae Wilkie, at the duck pond in the early 1920s. |
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Blacksmith Shop Doors
As many of you know, the sliding doors have been difficult to open and close. Thanks to David Quinn, RLA's Restoration Specialist, they're getting "back on track."
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According to David, "The old Blacksmith Shop doors slide laterally, supported by two single wheel roller units which travel inside a 2 inch tubular overhead track, two on each door at the upper corners.
I removed two old roller units from one door and found them to be severely worn after a century of service. They were also very encrusted with old dirty grease.
The axels were removed, and the wheel fell out with all the worn needle bearings and center sleeve.
The wheels showed only slight wear, and the carrier showed external wear from dragging on the inside of the tube track. These parts were made of cast steel, very tough.
Modern sealed ball bearings were found and adapted to correct fit by venerable Long Beach aerospace machinist Bruce Abler, introduced by fellow aerospace machinist and Rancho volunteer
Allan Harmon.
Bruce had the facility to complete the needed machining and assemble the finished units, which will be fastened on swiveling brackets bolted atop each door.
The tubular track will be internally cleaned and lubricated for years of service to come, at least another century considering the daily use."
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Thanks to Allan and Karen Harmon,
Marlo Lee, Bruce Abler, and
Blacksmith Jack for their help and support.
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Virtual VSC Meeting,
Juneteenth, & COVID-19 Updates
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The June 19 VSC Meeting was a grand success!
We learned all about Juneteenth Celebrations from recent LBCIP Intern Kalilah Dixon, had stimulating conversation in our breakout rooms, and the meeting was followed by COVID-19 updates.
Next week, Volunteer Meeting!
As we consider restructuring our public hours, we want your feedback!
Please join us for a
to discuss the possibilities.
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To Mask or Not To Mask
As of this week, according to updated rules by Cal OSHA and the City of LB:
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Outdoors, masks are optional regardless of vaccination status.
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Indoors, masks are required for unvaccinated individuals over the age of 2.
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Indoors, masks are optional for fully vaccinated individuals.
- Guests are on the honor system. Volunteers and staff must state their vaccination status if they wish to work without masks.
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As we assess our priorities and develop visitor engagement strategies, we will take into consideration volunteer, staff, and visitor needs.
We seek out data from a number of sources to assess museum-goer needs, including the information linked to the image (left) from Wilkening Consulting. Click on the image for the full report.
Data collected suggests that museum visitors still want mask requirements in place, particularly families with children who cannot yet be vaccinated.
Other data can be found here:
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We may be adjusting our Volunteer stations, shifts, and schedules in the coming weeks, but for now, we still need a lot of help for our public hours, Wed-Sun 1-5 pm.
We still need help Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this week!
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Got ideas?
Learn about what we're planning, and
help us develop fun and engaging public programs!
Join RLA staff and volunteers to learn what's going on and to share your ideas in a new monthly meeting on Zoom:
- Wednesday, 7/14 at 10 am
- Monday, 8/9 at 1 pm
- Wednesday, 9/8 at 10 am
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Got Great Photos of the Rancho?
We'd love to share them!
If you have taken photos while volunteering and would like to share them with us,
we'd love to see and share them on our website and social media channels!
Please email your images and a brief caption to
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Save the Dates for 2021 VSC MEETINGS
9:30 am on third Saturday mornings of even months
We will continue to meet virtually via Zoom until it is safe to meet in person again.
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August 21 TBD- might be an in-person Volunteer Appreciation event!
- October 16
- December 18
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Community Partners Update |
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On Saturday, June 26 at 10 am on Zoom, we'll partner with the Willmore Baking Company to present "Cooking for a Crowd with Mrs. Shinkle."
This will be a family-friendly virtual program that highlights women's history, inter-generational baking, and delicious snickerdoodle cookies.
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The Miller Special Collections Room at the Billie Jean King Main Library presents...
"African Americans in Long Beach and Southern California: A History."
Saturday, June 26th, from 3:00-4:00 pm
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Rancho Museum Gift Shop
Now Open
During Public Hours
or call (562) 431-3541
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If you need to cancel a scheduled volunteer shift or have an urgent matter,
please contact the Rancho Office.
Please reach out to Ambyr or Katie with volunteer scheduling or activities inquiries.
If you have livestock questions or concerns, you may contact
the Ranch Office, Ambyr or Katie, or
Grounds Manager, Karen Thompson.
Thank you for helping us inspire, educate, and engage our community!
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