We are making great progress on the restoration of the Lochiel Schoolhouse.
In The News
What’s the source of Patagonia’s name: Miners’ nostalgia or grizzly prints?
The Weekly Bulletin – Arielle Ziontes –
Say the name Patagonia to most Americans and they might think of the sportswear brand or the sparsely populated, mountainous region at the southern end of South America it’s named for. But in and around Santa Cruz County, the name Patagonia represents the small town and the mountain range that overlooks it.
So how did the town and mountains get their name? Was it from some connection to the Patagonia of South America? According to Gilbert Quiroga, president of the Patagonia Museum, that’s one of two theories behind the origin of the name.
The Lochiel One Room Schoolhouse
Built before 1905 of adobe and used as a schoolhouse through the 1970’s, the property which is owned by the Patagonia School District, became a site for vandals and litterbugs. In 2010 The Patagonia Museum leased the schoolhouse property from the Patagonia School District for the purpose of preserving this historic site as a historic and educational facility for our students and community.
Grand opening inaugurates new era at Old Main
The Weekly Bulletin – January 26, 2016
The sleepy school grounds of Old Main came alive once again when the Patagonia Museum held a grand opening at the historic hilltop building on Saturday, Jan. 23.
“We hope this facility will be our permanent home,” museum president German Quiroga told those in attendance. He thanked those who helped facilitate the Patagonia Museum’s mission to preserve and collect the history and culture of southern Santa Cruz County.
Patagonia Museum gets keys to the school
The Weekly Bulletin – October 21, 2015 The Patagonia Museum signed a contract with the Patagonia Public Schools on Monday to promote awareness and appreciation … Read more
Patagonia Museum sprucing up before heading south
The Weekly Bulletin – JB Miller – September 16, 2015
From picking up trash on the outskirts of town to working on the Lochiel Schoolhouse, the Patagonia Museum is rolling up its sleeves this week.
In addition, the museum is preparing to host a presentation on Fort Buchanan as well as planning its annual bus tour of historic Mexico.