Three sculptures and two rooms will be dedicated at 1:30 p.m. June 7 at the National
Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC), 3121 Fourth St.
The additions to the NRHC were initiated as part of the master plan for the museum
and historical park and made possible through individuals and foundation support.
To be dedicated are two life-size bronze steer sculptures, one given by Rich and Barbara
Anderson of Gail, and the other by Patty and K.W. Kirkpatrick and Zoe and Jack Kirkpatrick
of Post, and their families. Totaling 16 now, the bronze steers commemorate the Trail
Drive Era of the 1860s to the 1880s.
Also to be dedicated is an 18-foot, carved granite windmill created by prominent artist
Jesus Moroles of Rockport. The piece is set at the front of J.J. Gibson Memorial Park
and underwritten by rancher Ruth Lowrance of San Antonio.
"This is the 29th piece of outdoor art permanently displayed on the NRHC museum grounds,"
said Jim Pfluger, executive director. "The Heritage Center has one of the largest
collections of outdoor, public art in West Texas.
Inside the DeVitt-Mallet Museum Building, the John R. "Rich" Anderson Room honors
long-time Ranching Heritage Association leader Rich Anderson of Gail. The public meeting
room opens onto a terraced patio and has ADA-compliant restrooms and an adjoining
kitchen prep area. The room was made possible by donations from Anderson’s family
and friends.
The Burk Burnett Library and Reading Room in the west wing of the NRHC museum is comprised
of three individual spaces — a library, combination conference/reading area and a
small kitchen which can be used by caterers. The area was underwritten by Anne W.
Marion and named for her great-grandfather, rancher, oilman and businessman Samuel
Burk Burnett.
"I am pleased at the great response from our supporters and the public to enhance
the NRHC facilities both inside and outside the museum," Pfluger said. "The library
and meeting room have been long-needed areas for us as a museum. The bronze steers
and granite windmill are a symbolic tribute to the resources ranchers used to create
the heritage we preserve at the NRHC."
Gary Terrell, chairman emeritus of the board of the Ranching Heritage Association,
will serve as master of ceremonies of the dedication and direct the program and ribbon
cutting. An unveiling will take place in the Rich Anderson Room at 2:15 p.m. to conclude
the program.