Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ward.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to Pioneer Farms as a volunteer during the late 1990s. Historical programming was good but focused mostly on elementary school tour groups and a few seasonal events. The museum had three interpretive sites and a general store, had no City water or sewer service and was in need of an estimated $650,000 in capital improvements and repairs. The operation was managed under contract by a small dedicated staff in the City Parks and Recreation Department, and the property and buildings were owned by a local historical preservation non-profit. In October 2002, due to a budget shortfall, the City canceled the operations contract and turned the property back to the historical preservation group. The museum was closed. I was dispatched by the president of that group to reopen and restart operations utilizing volunteers. Within a month the museum and store were reopened to school tours one day a week. Within three months, hours had been expanded to Friday and Saturday and within seven months and museum was open three days a week. By 2005, the number of volunteers operating the museum had grown to more than 200 — conducting costumed interpretation at the historic sites, feeding the animals, repairing and maintaining the historic buildings and mowing the grounds. Trained artisans reopened the blacksmith and wood shops. A master plan was researched and implemented calling for the development of four additional historic sites. Operations costs were covered by revenues and fundraising, and grants and specified-use donations allowed for the expansion of programming and historic sites. Volunteers managed and operated the museum until 2016 when an independent non-profit was created to manage and operate the museum. Since then, the museum has added four additional sites — for a total of seven, showcasing the culturally rich diversity of Texas’ past — with plans for three more. The artisans program has been expanded into the Texas Folk Arts School that now features more than 60 classes, along with new history programs, special events and festivals. Annual attendance has grown from 8,700 to more than 120,000. Just was under 500 people — a cross section of the region — are now part of Pioneer Nation, our volunteer corps. The story of the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms is one of how volunteers can accomplish great things if they work together toward a common goal, much as the can-do spirit and sturdy resilience of the early pioneer allowed them to survive and flourish on the harsh frontier. I learn something new every day I’m at Pioneer Farms, about history and about life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been struggles with organization, with infrastructure, with unexpected challenges and hardships, but the steady forward march of Pioneer Farms has been guided by its clear mission and empowering experience for both volunteers and visitors.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a committee director for the Texas Senate after working for nearly 50 years in journalism. I am currently the Chairman and CEO of Pioneer Farms. I am most proud of everything the volunteers have accomplished at Pioneer Farms since 2003 and continue to accomplish on a daily basis for the single purpose of making the museum successful.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Learning about history. By exploring your past, you can discover your future.
Pricing:
- Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors
Contact Info:
- Email: info@pioneerfarms.org
- Website: www.pioneerfarms.org
- Instagram: pioneerfarms_
- Facebook: @PioneerFarms
- Twitter: @PioneerFarms
- Youtube: PioneerFarms
Image Credits
Credit: Pioneer Farms Michel Ward leads a school tour group at the 1866 German Emigrant Farm.
