Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology
Among the many feisty women who have called Ghost Ranch their home is Florence Hawley Ellis, one of the first women to receive a PhD in anthropology (from the University of Chicago, in 1934). In her definitive history book called Ghost Ranch (available for purchase at the Trading Post), Lesley Poling-Kempes describes Ellis and her students’ discovery of an archaeological site north of the Ranch that rocked the world of anthropology in 1971. Poling-Kempes writes, “Dr Ellis assured everyone that what had just happened – the finding of so many entire ceramic pots hidden in a lava field – never happens. It was a remarkable site to have stumbled upon.”
The museum is named for the late Dr. Florence Hawley Ellis, long-time professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Dr. Ellis initiated and led Ghost Ranch archaeology excavations from 1971 until 1990. Excavations continue on two sites located on Ghost Ranch property under the leadership of Cheryl Muceus, Curator of the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and Director of the Ghost Ranch Museums.
The Museum of Anthropology at Ghost Ranch displays ancient artifacts from Paleo Indian culture, 10,000 years ago, through ancestral Puebloan times to present time pottery and weavings from local Pueblos. Exhibits of the work of local artists, as well as a fascinating gift shop, add to the excitement of a visit to the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum.
Hours of Operation
- Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Please call to verify – 505.685.4333 ext. 4118. Ghost Ranch is located on US Highway 84, 14 miles north of Abiquiu.
Special programs available for school groups. See school outreach tab above for details.
Public tours available.
Archaeology of Ghost Ranch Tour
Times: April 3rd through October 30th, Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Price: $25 Adults, $12.50 Children & Students (ages 5-17) not recommended for ages 5 and under
A walking tour to archaeological sites on our 21,000 acre property: there are two rock-shelter sites here at the Ranch; one dates back 8,000 years and the second 2,000 years. Two miles of walking over uneven terrain.
