Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center recognized
The Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center at the National Ranching Heritage Center on Texas Tech University campus has been awarded the Gold Award for Best In-Museum Experience by the Texas Association of Museums.
The award recognizes the center’s outstanding achievement in immersive and educational exhibit design.
“Receiving the Gold Award for In-Museum Experience from the Texas Association of Museums for the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center is an incredible honor,” said Julie Hodges, NRHC Helen DeVitt Jones endowed director of education. “This exhibit represents a true passion project for me, and its success is truly 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.”
Announced during TAM’s annual conference on April 8, the award highlights the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center as a leader in engaging museum experiences across the state. Opened in October 2023, the center has become a destination for families, educators and visitors of all ages, offering a hands-on, story-driven exploration of modern ranching life based on the beloved “Hank the Cowdog” book series by John R. Erickson.
“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.”
For more information about the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center, visit ranchingheritage.org.
