Tinkertown Museum

10/07/2026

Recent rains have revealed a big leak in the roof of our beloved Circus Room. We’ve made a temporary fix until the roofer can fit us in, and are assessing damage to the structure and display.

While admissions and gift shop sales keep the museum open, big repairs like this one stretch our budget. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated online or in person to our Annual Fund. If you’d like to contribute a shingle or two, see the link in bio or head to https://donorbox.org/the-builder-s-foundation-fund

10/06/2026

Ross Ward started collecting license plates years ago. The sturdy metal plates are just ideal for quick repairs to the boardwalk and conjure backseat road trip games and dreams of visiting other places.

Yesterday, Oz, a like-minded traveller and enthusiast donated another plate to the collection!

10/04/2026

Dr. Federico Reade, Jr., author of “Justica! The New Mexico Land Grant Movement, 1956 - 1968” stopped by today! He was kind enough to sign several of his books for sale in the gift shop!

10/03/2026

Tidying up the driveway and roadside and dusting the exhibits! Every day chores keep the museum up and running. See you soon!

10/02/2026

After all the rains, the bottle walls are sparkling and the flowers are blooming! We are ready to welcome you! Open every day of Balloon Fiesta 10-4pm. Blue skies all the way!!!

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

Hey there dear friends! Many thanks to all who’ve already contributed to our inaugural Annual Fund! Find info below or or at the link in bio! https://donorbox.org/the-builder-s-foundation-fund

09/26/2026

We ran across this beautiful LA Times piece by Hailey Branson-Potts about the history and future of the Bagdad Cafe. Clipped it just as Ross might have. And that reminded us of Melinda Green Harvey’s lovely photo of his scrapbooks. Ever curious, Ross saved clippings, photos, postcards and all manner of ephemera. We are looking forward to checking out “Back to Bagdad Cafe,” a documentary by Lea De Carmo. There is so much to see! 👀

09/26/2026

Keep an eye out for “Back to Bagdad Cafe.” We celebrate Lea De Carmo for telling the story of the Bagdad Cafe and Andrea Pruett. Grateful to all who work to preserve, protect and honor these magical places!

09/24/2026

It’s so cheerful to read a few of our “messages in a bottle!” Visitors of all ages take time to write a kind word or a wish for the world. Sunshine on a cloudy day. 🌞⛅️