New Partnership at the Mendocino County Museum
Gift Shop Grand Re-opening Sunday, December 15, 12-4 p.m.
The County and Museum are delighted to announce a new partnership that affirms the Museum as a valuable cultural asset for all Mendocino County citizens and paves the way for a robust future.
The partnership allows the Friends of the Mendocino County Museum (FOTMCM) to assume operation of the Museum gift shop and the admissions operations. “This is a tremendous step forward for the museum and the county as a whole– for anyone who lives and works here, and who has pride in our incredible county and its rich history” -Karen Mattson, Museum Administrator.
With this first step in the transition, County staff will continue to oversee the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and field trips. The non-profit FOTMCM will oversee the gift shop and admissions lobby.
“The FOTMCM looks forward to building a very strong connection with the community, so that we all come together to support this terrific institution as a social hub and a point of pride– we envision supporting an invigorating slate of events – lectures, programs, and related activities going forward.” -Brent Walker FOTMCM Chair
The museum has been a beloved part of the Mendocino County cultural landscape since its opening in 1972. The collection contains over 60,000 objects chronicling and celebrating the peoples, communities, culture, and history of our county. Collections include photographs, fine art, baskets, tools, archives, textiles, and a variety of rolling stock. Experts from a range of disciplines use the collections for personal and professional research. Museum exhibits are updated regularly, and student field trips have enabled youngsters throughout the county to gain new insights into the region’s past.
“We are thrilled with this creative and collaborative partnership helping to make the Museum a sustainable entity,” said Third District Supervisor John Haschak. “This is an opportunity for the FOTMCM to continue to grow their support and enable our wonderful county museum to continue to serve and thrive.”
Among upcoming events is a grand re-opening of the Museum Gift Shop slated for Sunday December 15th , presented by the FOTMCM. The FOTMCM is pleased to host Guest Karen Rifkin, author of the History of Ukiah’s Palace Hotel from 1:00-3:00. The FOTMCM plan to have updated merchandise and look forward to greeting the public in the front lobby. The Museum will host a variety of activities to complement the event. If you don’t have time to participate but you want to be a part of this big “group hug,” stop by and see the new gift store!
“As we transition into this new partnership, we’ll be looking for folks to become ambassadors – to get excited, become engaged in what we’re doing, and help us envision what the future might hold. What does that mean on a practical level? If you’re interested in helping us run the gift shop or staff admissions, we’d love to have you. There are many other ways to get involved from leading tours or helping with special projects as well. Let us know if you can spare a few hours a month by contacting the Friends at: fotmcm@yahoo.com” -Neeka Aguirre FOTMCM Board Member
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Mendocino County Museum. For more information please visit www.mendocinocounty.org/museum or contact the Mendocino County Museum at museum@mendocinocounty.gov or 707-234-6365.
