February 28, 2020 - The Northern Mariposa County History Center, located in the heart of Coulterville at the intersection of Highways 49 and 132, reopened on February 1st with a Gala Celebration, and resumed their regular hours, Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. There is no admission fee, although donations are always welcome.
Jonathan Farrington, Executive Director, Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau presents $3,000
Sponsorship check to NMCHC president, Judy Stafford.
This year’s GALA, themed Looking Back, Looking Forward, focused on the history of the museum and the buildings it now occupies as well as expansion plans for the next decade or more. Just hours before the event, the doorway into the new Barrett Room from the existing “Apothecary” room was roughed in so attendees could view the room and existing displays in it. One of the new exhibits includes a timeline of the buildings that existed on the corner now occupied by the museum since the town’s inception in 1849. Also included are many photos covering the early days of the museum. A preliminary plan for the grounds gifted to the NMCHC as part of the Barrett Family donation is also part of the display.
Local artist Erica Wolfson taking her ease during the Gala in the museum's Victorian style parlor.
A second new display focuses on Clara Pope Shilling. Emigrating as a youngster from Cornwall, England in the late 1800’s, she arrived in Coulterville and became one of its leading citizens. An “instant citizen” upon stepping off the boat in NYC (wives and children of previously naturalized citizens were automatically granted citizenship in those days), Clara turned 21 the year California granted women the right to vote. Breaking with “tradition”, Clara rode astride when sidesaddle was still considered de rigueur, herded cattle, hunted with her husband and turned a primitive homestead into a successful ranch. When, after 35 years of marriage, her husband passed away, Clara continued to thrive as a cattlewoman, receiving public recognition both locally and in a number of magazines as a highly successful female “cattleman”.
Clara Mentzer in front of the Mentzer Pioneer Family display.
Photos, documents and mementos of 6 generations of Mentzers fill up this year’s Pioneer Family display. Many of these items document the family’s history of public service, with various members serving as Coulterville Constable, Mine Inspector, members of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, and as Coulterville’s Postmaster.
The Gala is the first, and one of the two largest, fund raising activities held each year. NMCHC President Judy Stafford notes, “This year the GALA raised is in the neighborhood of $7,500. The event would not have been possible without the support of many individuals including EVERY Coulterville merchant and many of our members. Thanks to their generosity, we had an amazing array of gift baskets, auction items and an abundance of refreshments. The success of the event included a generous $3,000 Sponsorship from the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau. A special thank you to everyone who helped plan, set-up and volunteer their time during the event. And of course, thank you everyone who attended!”
The funds raised will be put to good use immediately as the Barrett Room renovation project rapidly transitions from the permit phase to the construction phase.
We hope that anyone who was not able to attend the Gala finds the time to stop by and check out the fascinating new exhibits.
Source: NMCHC
