The Texas Association of Museums recognized the center’s outstanding achievement in immersive and educational exhibit design.
Summary:
The Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center at the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) on the Texas Tech University campus received the Gold Award for Best In-Museum Experience from the Texas Association of Museums, recognizing its outstanding, interactive exhibit on modern ranching life. Opened in October 2023 and inspired by the “Hank the Cowdog” book series, the center has become a popular, hands-on learning destination for families and educators.
Why This Matters:
- Interactive Learning: Highlights innovative educational approaches that engage children and adults in agricultural heritage.
- Promotes Culture: Reinforces the cultural and historical significance of ranching in Texas and the American West.
- Enhances Experiences: Demonstrates the impact of storytelling and interactive design in creating memorable museum experiences.
The Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center at the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) on the Texas Tech University campus has been awarded the Gold Award for Best In-Museum Experience by the Texas Association of Museums (TAM). Announced during TAM’s annual conference on April 8, the prestigious award highlights the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center as a leader in engaging museum experiences across the state.
The center opened in October 2023 and has quickly become a favorite destination for families, educators and visitors of all ages. The center offers a hands-on, story-driven exploration of modern ranching life based on the beloved “Hank the Cowdog” book series by John R. Erickson.
“Receiving the Gold Award for In-Museum Experience from the Texas Association of Museums is an incredible honor,” said NRHC Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Education Julie Hodges. “This exhibit represents a true passion project for me, and its success is a testament to the amazing collaborative effort of so many talented individuals. Getting to work alongside an icon and legend like Hank the Cowdog was particularly fun and a genuine pleasure. We poured our hearts into creating something special, and I hope it brings joy and understanding of ranch life to generations to come.”
The center combines state-of-the-art interactive exhibits with authentic ranching artifacts and kid-friendly storytelling through the voice of Hank the Cowdog. From learning how ranchers operate a ranch to exploring the vital roles of animals and land stewardship, the exhibit offers a unique, hands-on discovery experience that celebrates both history and the future of ranching.
“We are grateful to everyone who made the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center a reality,” said NRHC Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell. “We are beyond proud that the center has been recognized with the Gold Award from TAM. Maybe even better is when I hear about young guests crying because they don’t want to leave.”
The Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center is a permanent addition to the NRHC and continues to serve as a dynamic resource for schools and communities across the region.
About the National Ranching Heritage Center
Supported by Texas Tech University and the Ranching Heritage Association, the NRHC is a 27-acre museum and historical park that offers educational programs and exhibits about ranching history and contemporary ranching issues. The center is located at 3121 Fourth St. and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission is free, and the historical park is wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information, visit ranchingheritage.org or call (806) 742-0498.