New year brings new events to Douglas Historical Society

Happy New Year everyone. Blessing to you and yours in 2011.

We at Douglas County Historical Society are especially grateful for you, our supporters, going into this new year. We read recently that several state museums are threatened with closure due to budget deficits. Thanks to you, we are keeping our doors open and hopefully bringing you the kind of entertainment and exhibits you enjoy most. Thank you for coming out and supporting your local museums.

Now that the holidays are over, you might just have a little extra time on your hands. Consider volunteering for DCHS. It's a great way to get involved in the community. It helps to keep both museums up and running and gives you the opportunity to meet new and interesting people, not only within the community but visitors from around the world. 

DCHS committees are always looking for assistance and new ideas. Committees include fundraising, membership, short- and long-term planning, accessions, exhibits, and newsletter/publicity. Consider sharing your talents with us by calling 782-2555 or e-mailing at dchs@historicnevada.org.

Young Chautauqua will start Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Gardnerville museum. The Douglas County Historical Society's Young Chautauqua program will begin with this informational meeting. Students in grades four to 12 are invited to choose a character from history to research and present in the first person. The Young Chautauqua program participants will also take part in a T-shirt design contest. Students will receive a T-shirt with the winning design.

The Young Chautauqua group meets every other week for 11 sessions, starting Jan. 18 and then performs in character under the tent at Mormon Station State Historic Park on June 15 and 16.

The Douglas County Historical Society lecture for January will feature Bob Stewart. Bob has worked in the office of Gov. Mike O' Callaghan and was public affairs officer for the Bureau of Land Management. After retiring in 2001, Bob got interested in the report that Mark Twain (Sam Clemens) had set a forest fire at Lake Tahoe in 1861. While writing an article demonstrating that it was only a brush fire, he located Twain's claim at the Lake. Bob initiated a nomination for a cove at the Lake as "Sam Clemens Cove."

The lecture will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, upstairs at the Gardnerville museum. It starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $3, and free to members. Information, 782-2555.

Information about the Douglas County Historical Society at www.historicnevada.org or the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555. Remember, DCHS and its two museums in Gardnerville and Genoa don't receive any regular state or county funding. It's up to our members and friends to help keep our doors open.

Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or 790-1565.