As the Museum of Chincoteague continues its drive to save Beebe Ranch, the famed home of Misty of Chincoteague, it’s made a huge announcement about the rescue effort.
As the museum shared on Facebook on Sunday night, it now has the legendary property under contract, with a closing date of June 30. “This is a dream come true! It absolutely could not of happened without YOU! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you,” the museum stated in Sunday’s post.
The museum launched its fundraising appeal for purchasing the property after it was learned that after 100 years, the Beebe family needs to move on and sell the famous site. Faced with the possibility of losing the cherished property, the museum stepped in to try and keep it in local hands.
Here’s what the museum had say Sunday on Facebook, and then read on for much more on the enduring appeal of Misty and the Pony Penning sensation that’s arisen in her wake.
The phenomenon of ‘Misty of Chincoteague’
The wild pony Misty rose to fame through the 1947 novel “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry.
Henry’s novel is based on the Beebe family and tells the story of their purchase of Misty and her mother, Phantom, from an auction during Chincoteague Island’s annual Pony Penning. In 1961, the story was adapted into the film “Misty,” which furthered the legend of both the ranch and the island’s big annual pony showcase.
How Pony Penning rose to become a huge hit
Pony Penning, the weeklong celebration in July that includes the pony roundup, swim, auction and swim back, all began in 1925, and really took off with the publication of “Misty of Chincoteague.”
The Pony Swim draws all kinds of pony lovers to wade into swamps, climb trees or whatever they have to do to get a glimpse, and they returned in force in 2022 after two years off due to COVID-19.
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And despite the setback of two virtual years, the related auction has also set records for three years running.
The 2022 auction raised a record total of $450,200 from the auction of 63 ponies, including 10 buybacks, according to a tally posted on the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Certified Visitor Center’s site.
How you can still help save the Beebe Ranch
Organizers are still seeking tax-deductible donations to the Museum of Chincoteague, with notations that donations are to help “Save the Beebe Ranch,” toward its goal of raising $625,000.
The Museum of Chincoteague Island’s mailing address is P.O. Box 352, Chincoteague, VA 23336. For more information, call the museum at 757-336-6117. Credit card donations can be received through the museum website: chincoteaguemuseum.com.
