Hi there, It has been awhile since an update on the current news of the Mariposa History Center/Museum. Listmember Ben Pierce is providing the Sentinel (membership bulletin of the History Center-) the family chronicles of his Wass and Ashworth families for the next publication, due out in January/February. The current issue has the contribution of listmember Glenn Burghardt on his Phillips family- very nice article Glenn. The Board of Directors reports that the museum has had a good year financially. They are pleased that commercial tours such as The Tauck Tours , who comes once a week to the museum, caters to older adults "who may buy as much as $100 worth of our books". The library is due to open soon, and this means the museum will be expanding soon. One of the exhibits to be developed is the Native American Basket Display, chaired by Sandy Rhoan Chapman. Sandy reported to us at the Historic Sites meeting about her plans for this display. It will be a wonderful exhibit and with all the necessary security precautions. The Vault Project is one quarter funded, according to the bulletin- but it does not give the figures as to the projected costs or the current fund account dollars. They state "With the continued support of our community, if donations keep coming in, we should be able to qualify for a grant with which to complete the project". I have been asked to assist with the inventory of the records in the basement. I have volunteered to assist one day a week. Nothing has been scheduled as of this date. A field trip to Fresno Flats is scheduled for Dec 3, 2000. This will include a stop at the Laramore-Lyman House, Taylor Log House, the one room Schoolhouse, the Blacksmith shop and Barn. Then on to Coarsegold to the Willow Glen Museum, the Adobe Rock Stage Stop, and the Picayune Indian School. I visited the Research room recently (a benefit of membership). I browsed the collection of old marriage records, jury lists, hospital records, military lists. There is much to explore- however, the hours are limited- week days only and you must make an appointment in advance. Remember this when planning your trip to Mariposa. Well that's it for now, Best, Carolyn