In October of 2000, the RDREFF Board of Directors committed to undertaking a multiyear project at Ruby Ellen Farm that has three phases: ethnographic documentation, historic preservation planning, and artifact conservation. This project will assure that the farm's tangible and intangible cultural heritage is preserved. The project also represents an exciting opportunity for developing an interdisciplinary approach to natural and cultural resource conservation in a single location. All documentary records that the project generates will be the property of the Foundation, and will be held in the public trust. The Board of Directors has proceeded with their ambitious plan, and is currently engaged in documentation and preservation efforts, including the use of a professional folklorist. Conducting extensive ethnographic fieldwork, Dr. Mark Livengood spends many hours each week working directly with Rex in his tasks around the farm, as well as taping interviews to capture the facts, stories, and nuances of daily life. Mark is currently drafting a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This is expected to be completed in late 2004. Rex will continue to reside on and work the farm for as long as he is able. When that time passes, the foundation will assume official responsiblity for Ruby Ellen Farm, which will be permanently preserved for charitable purposes, just as Rex had intended. The Rex Dobson Ruby Ellen Farm Foundation, through the Mission Statement created by its Board of Directors, is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of an extraordinary man. |
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