KGUN 9 Visits Steam Pump Ranch to Celebrate 20 Years of OVHS!

Jim Williams, Author of Oro Valley, The First Fifty Years and 2025 winner of a national award from the American Association of State and Local History.

🎉 A big thank you to Kenny Darr of KGUN 9 News for highlighting the Oro Valley Historical Society, Steam Pump Ranch, and the Pusch House Museum.

• • Watch the KGUN9 feature with Kenny Darr, and OVHS President, Bob Kellar, and OVHS Secretary, Devon Sloan (September 17, 2025) –
  • Note:  when you click the above link, it will take you to a black box, just click on the link in that black box or use this URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45-JdCzcWiA 

Here is a transcript of that video:

For the past 20 years, the Oro Valley Historical Society has worked to preserve buildings like this one, so stories of the past live on for generations to come.

The society first formed in 2005 thanks to a small group of residents who wanted to save historic landmarks from development. Volunteers have helped restore buildings and curate exhibits to share Oro Valley’s history.

“Even though this society historic as this whole property, the fact that we’re 20 years old speaks to the fact that people do care about what came before us. The people that lived on this property, worked on this property, and the stories behind them.”

As part of the 20th anniversary, the society is back in full swing, with a new season of exhibits. Free guided tours are available every Saturday morning, and self-guided tours can be done anytime during the week.

“It’s very satisfying to give back something the community. This is really an essential part of Oro Valley. This is our history. You know, you get a good feeling when you do volunteer work, and there’s a bit of a payback there that you get that makes you feel good.”

The next round of exhibits kicks of this month, right here at Steam Pump Ranch.

As OVHS marks 20 years of preserving and sharing Oro Valley’s history, we’re excited to bring you a season filled with:

• • • • Engaging exhibits

      • Guided nature walks on Saturdays

      • Special guest speakers at the OV Public Library with a variety of topics like meteorites, history of Empire Ranch, Hohokam craft traditions, Earl Linwood Francis story, how to care for Iris and other bulbs, Biosphere 2 and more!

      • A self-guided art sculpture tour

      • New interpretive signs at Steam Pump Ranch

      • Our newsletter has a brand-new look! Fresh, modern, and designed to keep you connected with OVHS.  Sign up for our newsletter.

      • Our recently launched modern website (thanks to Red Coyote Services!)

      • Donation drives in support of other local non-profit organizations

📲 Stay connected! Follow us on Instagram and YouTube, and visit our Calendar of Events for dates/times of our special activities and to join in the celebration!

There are so many ways to support OVHS!

• Get Involved in keeping Oro Valley history alive!
• Visit us on Saturdays and purchase award winning Oro Valley, The First Fifty Years, authored by local resident and ardent OVHS supporter, Jim Williams.