A group of staff came together to create a meaningful self-guided history experience that invited people to revisit the stories and philosophies that shaped Ranch Ehrlo over the past six decades

The special committee came together to pay tribute to Ranch Ehrlo’s past and present, creating a pop-up museum at the Kesten Centre that invited visitors to step back in time and explore 60 years of Ranch Ehrlo Society.

The group of long-time staff, whose collective service to Ranch Ehrlo spans 240 years, pulled from the back of their memories, dug through the archives, and sifted through hundreds of pieces of media and memorabilia to bring the agency’s history to life.

“Along the way, we remembered colleagues and participants, shared stories, laughed, reflected, and sometimes discovered pieces of our history we had never known,” said Kate Langen, committee chair. “It was a privilege to help tell a story we have also been fortunate enough to be part of.”

“The process reminded us that an organization’s history lives not only in its records and archives, but in the relationships, memories, stories, and values carried forward by the people who have been part of it – past and present,” she added.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of the experience was seeing old connections renewed and memories shared.

“That room really was kind of magical. I was there from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and the amount of people who came through was just amazing. We had so many former staff, past board members, and past participants visit us. It was just incredible to see people connecting with others who they hadn’t seen in 40 years,” said Carole Bryant, director of corporate services.

“It was a wonderful experience and definitely a labour of love,” agreed Jane Powell, member of the committee. “We estimate approximately 300 people came through. It was a great day.”

For a day, the Kesten Centre became a place where the past and present came together – where stories were remembered, old friendships were rekindled, and 60 years of Ranch Ehrlo history could be celebrated by the people who helped make it what it is today.

Thank you to the committee for breathing life into this experience:

Kate Langen (35 years)
Jane Powell (34 years)
Shelley Sayer (43 years)
Hayler Maurer (30 years)
Kirsten Endicott (31 years)
Randy O’Shaughnessy (35 years)
Mike Deis (32 years)