Gilman Programs
School Programs
The Gilman Historic Ranch & Wagon Museum offers two specific programs tailored to meet the California State standards for the 3rd and 4th grade curriculum’s. These programs help make California’s history personal to each student as they explore this rich historic site. New perspectives are gained through demonstrations that bring a realism to that which is normally only read of in books, and a hands on participation creates a further desire to learn more. Note that the following two programs can be easily adjusted to match any age group or groups with special needs.
California Gold Rush Program
The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 accelerated the population growth to the Western United States, with a tidal wave of immigrants coming to California to seek their fortunes. Students will have an opportunity to “strike it rich” as they pan for real gold near our spring fed stream (and “yes” they keep what they find). In a nearby barn, they will experience the smell of burning coal combined with the ringing sound of glowing iron being shaped during a blacksmithing demonstration. Participants will drill holes in logs outside of the barn, connecting their new knowledge of blacksmithing to that of woodworking in the 1800’s, using hand powered antique braces (drills). The Gilman Ranch is rich in history, as the students will discover while treading on remnants of the wagon trail as early gold prospectors did in 1862. Further exploration of the Ranch will include the Gilman House, several outbuildings, and the Jose Pope Adobe Ruins. Contrast between today’s life style and that of people from the 1800’s creates a lasting memory that immerses visitors in days gone by.
Fee: $8.00 per student (includes vial for gold)
Native Americans of the Pass Program
This program introduces the Native Americans of the San Gorgonio Pass, emphasizing their cultural and historical significance to the area. With a walk across this ancient site, students will experience the importance, to the Cahuilla, of indigenous plants for medicinal, ceremonial, dietary, and other functional purposes. Hands on opportunities abound, and students may experience grinding seeds with a mano and metate, throwing a rabbit stick, launching an atlatl dart, or drilling holes into wood with primitive hand drills. Demonstrations of primitive skills, such as stone tool making, create a learning experience to remember. Every student will return home with a craft, as well as, memories to last a life time.
Fee: $7.00 per student (includes craft)
Gilman Ranch Tours
Site tours of the Gilman Ranch give the visitor an exciting look into California history.
Fee $4.00 per person
Blacksmith Class
We are fortunate to have Alex Bashta, a certified instructor for the California Blacksmith Association (CBA), teaching the level 1 blacksmith classes on the 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every month at the Gilman Ranch. Reservations are required to participate in these classes due to their popularity.
Saturday day use visitors are welcomed to stop by the Ranch’s blacksmith shop to view that day’s lesson while taking in the sounds and smells of the smithy. It’s a wonderful experience to see the glowing metal take shape into tools and other items, in the same manner that craftsmen may have used over a hundred years ago. Some items made by the blacksmiths at the Ranch are offered for sale in the Museum Gift Shop.
For information about reservations, fees, times or other questions please call Jim Bowden at (951)922-9200.
Reservations are required for all Programs, Tours, or Classes.
Minimum group size for Programs or Tours is 15 people.
Programs and Tours available Tuesdays through Thursdays 8:00am-3:00pm (programs run 2-3 hours long, and tours run 1-2 hours long).
Open every Saturday to the general public 10:00AM-4:00PM (reservations NOT required).
Saturday Day Use Fee applies: $2.00 per Adult, $1.00 per Child 12 and under, and $1.00 per Dog.
***For more information, please contact the Gilman Ranch (951) 922-9200.
