August 14, 2019 - Make your memories part of Merced County’s historic record.
If you have a story, a photo or an artifact related to the history of Merced Irrigation District, we want to know about it.
This year marks the 100 year anniversary since the formation of MID. In November, the Merced County Courthouse Museum will open an exhibit to the community showcasing the challenges and accomplishments of MID over the last century.
As part of that exhibit, MID and the Merced County Historical Society are asking members of the community to share stories, photos or anything else related to the history of MID over the last century. “We know there are a lot of fascinating individual stories in our community about the history of MID and we want to feature as many of them as we can,” said Courthouse Museum Director Sarah Lim.
The exhibit will open to the public at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2019 with a program to follow at 6 p.m.
“This community was built around water,” said MID General Manager John Sweigard. “From irrigation water to flood protection to clean renewable hydroelectricity, MID has helped provide the infrastructure and foundation allowing our community to thrive. We are excited to share some of the history – especially the everyday stories and experiences – of those who have been directly involved with the District.”
Those interested in sharing information about MID are asked to contact Museum Director Sarah Lim at (209) 723-2401 or by email at mercedmuseum@sbcglobal.net
The celebration and exhibit at the Merced County Courthouse Museum coincides with the formation of the District: MID was established in November 1919 when Merced County voters supported the formation of the Merced Irrigation District.
Once formed, MID purchased the Crocker Huffman Land and Water Company irrigation system, and constructed the original Exchequer Dam on the Merced River at the site of the Exchequer Mining Co. In the late-1960s, the District built the larger New Exchequer Dam, creating a bigger reservoir – Lake McClure – for local water supply and flood control.
Now, 100 years since its formation, MID provides irrigation water to approximately 2,200 growers in eastern Merced County and non-profit, public electricity to approximately 10,000 residential and commercial customers. MID continues to advocate for responsible environmental stewardship and restoration, and remains a key stakeholder in developing solutions to local groundwater challenges.
The exhibit at the Courthouse Museum will help tell the story of how Merced Irrigation District was formed and how it has evolved over the past 100 years. More information can be found at www.MIDisThere.com or www.mercedmuseum.org
Source: MID
