Levacy pictured in the historic Masterson JY Bunkhouse, captured by Adrian Hawkins, NRHC Communications Manager.
By Julie Hodges, NRHC Helen Devitt Jones Endowed Director of Education; Article from 2025 Winter edition of Ranch Record
John Levacy has been a vibrant presence at the National Ranching Heritage Center, bringing the stories of the ranching past to life for more than 35 years. His journey began in the spring of 1990, fueled by a lifelong passion for history, particularly that of Texas. Levacy’s own family history is intertwined with the state’s story. Arriving from Virginia in the 1930s, his family settled in Seagraves, Texas, to work the land. He recalls a photograph he saw as a child of a relative from that era, standing in a pasture, a six-shooter strapped to his belt, a symbol of the times and the spirit of Texas. “Because he was in Texas,” Levacy laughs, recalling the anecdote.
With his daughters grown and pursuing their own paths, Levacy found the time to indulge his historical interests and began volunteering at the NRHC. His wife, Vera, joined him, becoming an integral part of the volunteer team until her passing in 2018. His daughters occasionally join him at NRHC events, making it a family affair even today.
Over the years, Levacy has become a cornerstone of the NRHC, wearing many hats and contributing in countless ways. He’s served on the Ranch Host Board, organized lively Saturday Ranch Dances, and he founded and led the Ranch Host Dance Team. His dedication to education extends to performing Texas history programs in schools, participating in signature events like Ranch Day and Candlelight, teaching summer camp classes, and mentoring new volunteers. He’s a familiar face to visitors, having given countless guided tours, sharing his passion for the exhibits and the stories they hold. Levacy also shares his talents through cowboy poetry, music, and even interacting with media on behalf of the NRHC. Behind the scenes, he’s assisted education personnel in managing volunteers and has even led classes for ranch hosts on leatherworking, period crafts, and period clothing.
Levacy has witnessed many changes at the NRHC. He has seen the visitor entrance move and a constant flood of new volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. New programs have been added; Ranch Host Sundays transformed into Living History Saturdays; Fourth Street has grown from a quiet road to a major thoroughfare; and the NRHC grounds have expanded with structures like the 80 John Wallace Ranch House, the Pitchfork Cookhouse, the Ropes Depot, several windmills, and the Trinity Mission Church.
Levacy’s intricate wood carvings and leather braiding, captured by Adrian Hawkins, NRHC Communications Manager.
One of Levacy’s most cherished memories involves a special tour he gave to Elisabeth Von Trapp, singer and granddaughter of Maria and Georg von Trapp, the inspiration behind “The Sound of Music.” A call from NRHC guards led to a whirlwind afternoon where Levacy, despite a cold wind, escorted Von Trapp around the center. The memory was made even sweeter by a CD of her music she later sent him.
For Levacy, the historic buildings at the NRHC are more than just structures; they are tributes to the people who lived and worked within them. He finds joy in sharing their stories, in talking about cowboy and ranch life, and in explaining the traditions of a bygone era. He feels a deep connection to the past, inspired by telling the stories of real people in the very buildings where they made their lives. He’s a natural showman, happily sharing his skills in wood carving, leather braiding, guitar playing and cowboy poetry. The camaraderie he’s found with the core group of long-time volunteers is another reason Levacy keeps coming back.
“You spend years with these folks,” he explains. “You’re part of something that is ongoing. You build a real camaraderie with like-minded folks.”
Being a Ranch Host has had a profound impact on Levacy’s life.
Captured by Adrian Hawkins, NRHC Communications Manager.
“My picture is scattered all over the world,” he says, recounting encounters with visitors from Norway, England, Brazil, and beyond. He’s even been featured in publications ranging from the local Lubbock newspaper to Southern Living magazine.
Looking to the future, Levacy is enthusiastic about the potential of the Red Stegall Institute. He believes it will attract even more visitors and create opportunities for new programs, keeping both the Ranch Hosts and the NRHC vibrant and engaging.
John Levacy’s dedication and passion are testaments to the power of bringing history to life, one story at a time.
