Category: News

Today we mourn the passing of Charles Lippincott, whose name is mentioned on every tour of Rancho Obi-Wan because of this banner, which is on display here, and was painted by Joe Johnston and illustrated by Ralph McQuarrie. Charley took this banner with him to San Diego Comic-Con in 1976 to promote a little-known film called Star Wars—and thus gave birth to the modern phenomenon of fan relations for the movie industry.

For Star Wars Corp., Charley was VP of Advertising, Publicity, Promotion & Merchandising and was largely responsible for the Marvel Star Wars comic books and, with 20th Century Fox, the Kenner Products contract that revolutionized toys and helped make George Lucas an independent filmmaker. Charley was generous with his time and gave a long interview to Rancho’s Steve Sansweet for the groundbreaking 1992 book, Star Wars: From Concept to Screen to Collectible. The Force will be with him…always!

As 2019 falls behind we look forward to an exciting 2020. Inspiration for Star Wars fans worldwide will be abundant next year. We hope to share it with you!

Become a supporting Member of Rancho Obi-Wan or donate any amount by 12/31/2019 in order to receive a tax deductible receipt to file with your 2019 taxes next year. Always consult a tax professional. Become a Member before 12/31/2019

Gala 2020 tickets on sale now!

Our fundraising Gala is Saturday, June 13, 2020 with an optional wine tasting on Friday, June 12th, 2020.Join us for a festive Summer BBQ with auctions, door prizes, games, friends, laughter and more! Buy Gala tickets now!

The 501st Legion, the 10,000-strong worldwide organization of “bad guys (and girls) doing good” has donated the largest single gift ever to Rancho Obi-Wan, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) museum that houses the Guinness World Records-certified largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia.

In making the donation, which came from fundraising at Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017 and was the same amount contributed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the 501st said: “Please use the donation to continue spreading the wonder and excitement of the Star Wars universe, the art of collecting and the camaraderie that comes with sharing a passion.”

Rancho Obi-Wan became a nonprofit and started giving tours to the public in November, 2011. It will celebrate its sixth anniversary with a fundraising gala on Nov. 4, 2017.

Rancho’s purpose is to serve the public through the collection, conservation, exhibition and interpretation of Star Wars memorabilia and artifacts, using the collection to provide meaningful educational, aesthetic, intellectual and cultural experiences for a wide array of audiences and to carry out other charitable and educational activities associated with this goal.

Funds raised are used for insurance, utilities, professional services, maintenance on the buildings, and protection and preservation of the collection. None is used to acquire collectibles. Monies raised also enable Rancho Obi-Wan to perform public outreach to schools and other charitable organizations and to support community programs.

“We want to thank the 501st for this surprise and most generous gift, which we’ll use to further our goals and meet some pressing needs,” said Steve Sansweet, chairman, and Anne Neumann, vice president and curator. “The men and women of the 501st have always been huge supporters and volunteers at our events. We are thankful to call so many members friends.”