2026 Events
July 2026
Coronado’s Medieval Cannon, RIO RICO HISTORY MUSEUM GRAND OPENING SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026
Saturday July 18, 2026, the Rio Rico Historical Museum introduced a rare artifact copy at the Rio Rico History Museum. Left behind by the 1539-42 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado expedition was a 42-inch bronze cannon unearthed in east Rio Rico by Tucson archeologist Deni Seymour, PhD.
On display is a steel replica of the 40-lb weapon. Its discovery establishes the location of the long-lost settlement of Suya and rewrites the recorded prehistory of the Southwest. It is believed to be the oldest armament in the United States. Dr. Seymour made a presentation on her stunning archeological find.
42-inch bronze cannon replica created from the original found in east Rio Rico in 2020 by Tucson archeologist Deni Seymour, PhD.
June 2026
Summer Camp at M&M Family Orchard, provided kids and families with museum information and knowledge of local rocks & history. Chris Novak, Bill Myers and Victor Casarzes participated on June 2 & 4.
May 2026 General Meeting with Guest Speaker, Guest Speaker, Dr. Hunter M. Claypatch
The Precolonial Archaeology of Rio Rico: Exploring The Past Several Thousand Years of Occupation Along the Santa Cruz
Rio Rico Historical Society was at the Rio Rico Rotary Event:
KID FRIENDLY FUN & GAMES, Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Arizona250 Celebration at the Historic San Rafael Ranch
San Rafael State Natural Area,
Saturday, April 11, 2026 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us for a special Arizona250 celebration at San Rafael Ranch Historic District, located within the San Rafael State Natural Area.
This commemorative event invites the public to experience one of Arizona’s most significant historic ranching sites while celebrating Arizona’s rich heritage, landscapes, and communities. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic ranch house, learn about the San Rafael Valley’s ranching and conservation legacy, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding short-grass prairie. Connect with Arizona’s past while supporting the preservation of this remarkable place for future generations!
Self guided ranch house tours and educational displays will be offered throughout the day. A dedication of property as an Important Bird Area will be held at 10 a.m.
Car Show, Nights of Columbus, March 28, 2026 at Rio Rico Community Center
January and March 2026 General Meeting Speaker:
Renee Tossell, PhD – The 1527 Narvaez Expedition
Opening San Rafael Ranch Guest Exhibit, Friday, January 16, 2026
The ranch was comprised of an orginal Mexican land Grant, San Rafael de la Zanja plus adjoining land making the ranch over 22,000 acres. This exhibit focuses on the ranch owners, family, ranch workers and the registered Herefords raised in this beautiful valley.
Owners include Colin Cameron and partners in the late 1800’s, William C. Greene, better known as Colonel Greene the “Copper Skyrocket: 1903 and 1957 William Greene’s daughter Florence Greene Sharp.
In 1999, a portion of the San Rafael Cattle Company became the San Rafael State Natural Area (SRSNA) which encompasses 3,556 acres of native short grass prairie. The San Rafael Natural Historic District is 25 acres within the SRSNA which focuses on the ranch headquarters.
