Notice of June 3, 2026:The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Ferguson Home met May 28 to discuss recent changes. 

Appreciation of Friends of the Ferguson Board President, Treasurer and Site Director

First, we regretfully accepted the resignation of Connie Burcham as President.  She is moving to Florida.  The Board expresses deep appreciation to Connie who, in late 2022, stepped up to help fill board vacancies as President.  Her steady leadership is greatly appreciated.  Second, Mary Larson has asked to be relieved as Treasurer because of her new and demanding job.  Again, we appreciate Mary’s expert service.  Third and lastly, we accepted the resignation of Hunter Martinez as Site/Director/Docent.  His new job is very demanding, and he is unable to maintain the Saturday/Sunday time as site director/docent.

New Volunteers

 While these are big voids to fill, the good news is we already have volunteers willing to fill the Board vacancies. The By-laws provide that the Vice President, Michelle Mendenhall, will step into the President’s role until elections in Nov. 2026.  The board greatly appreciates Michelle’s willingness to step into the President’s role.   The by-laws also provide the board can appoint a Vice President, and Roy Espy has expressed interest in accepting the role of Vice President.  Finally, Crystal Campos-Perez has expressed interest in replacing Mary as Treasurer.    

Museum Site Director

At this time, however, we do not have a Museum Director (since filled).   An application for Director is available on the Facebook and web sites below.  This is a responsible position that serves as the face of the Friends of the Ferguson Home Museum as we care for and present the museum collection, present cultural and educational activities, and maintain the museum under a lease agreement with the City of Watonga, the owner of the facilities.

1901 Ferguson Home, 1892 jail and 1880’s military post

In the past, we had two persons fill staff rolls to have the museum open four days per week (most recently Thursday-Sunday).  The museum director must have knowledge or be willing to learn the important history of the Ferguson Home, Jail and Military facility.  They must be able to lead tours to inform and excite individuals, students, and groups.  As a not-for profit 501(c)(3), the basic beginning salary is about $12/hour.

Additional skills will be useful: Writing newspaper/magazine articles/grants, plan strategically with the board, prepare budgets, encourage group tours from around Oklahoma and nearby states, plan or support activities and special events including educational, cultural and fund-raising activities, interact with diverse populations and work with local government officials, etc.  Posting on www.facebook/fergusonhomemuseum  and potentially on our web site: www.fergusonhomemuseum.org are important parts of communication.

For additional information, see Michelle Mendenhall, Todd Lafferty or Joe Bryan.